Canon DC301 User Manual

PUB. DIE-304  
DVD Camcorder  
Instruction Manual  
PAL  
How to Select a DVD Disc  
There are many types of DVD discs but this camcorder uses only the following three  
types of 8 cm mini DVD discs: DVD-R, DVD-R DL and DVD-RW. Read the differences  
between them and select the disc that best fits your needs.  
DVD-R  
Best for Compatibility  
DVD-Rs can be recorded only once – you cannot edit or delete the recordings. On the  
other hand, these discs are comparatively cheaper.  
DVD-R DL  
Best for Recording Time  
Dual-layered discs allow writing up to 80% more data (approx. 2.6 GB) on a single  
recording side. However, you cannot edit or delete the recordings.  
Dual-layered discs have two recording layers. The  
Layer 2  
Layer 1  
Scene 2  
Scene 1  
Recording surface  
camcorder will record on layer 1 and then continue to  
layer 2. During the playback of a recording spanning  
both layers, you may notice a brief stop (about 1  
second) at the point where the camcorder switches to  
the second layer. The switch to layer 2 will break the  
recording into 2 separate scenes.  
DVD-RW  
Best for Reusability  
Recordings made on a DVD-RW disc can be edited or deleted. Also, the disc can be  
initialized. Initializing a DVD-RW disc clears all the recordings and restores the free  
space on the disc to its initial value so you can use the same disc again.  
Disc specification on DVD-RWs  
DVD-RW discs can be recorded using either one of two disc specifications: VIDEO mode  
or VR mode. When you first insert a brand new DVD-RW disc, the camcorder will  
automatically display the initialization screen where you can select the disc specification  
for the disc.  
VIDEO mode: Once finalized, discs recorded in VIDEO mode can be played back in most  
common DVD players offering the best compatibility. However, recordings cannot be  
edited (deleted, rearranged, etc.).  
VR mode: You can easily edit the recordings. However, discs recorded in VR mode can  
only be played back with DVD players compatible with DVD-RWs in VR mode.  
Note: DVD-R and DVD-R DL discs can only be recorded in VIDEO mode.  
3
Advantages of Using DVDs  
No need to worry about recording over a tape.  
When you use a DVD, the camcorder will automatically record on the empty  
space of the disc. So you don't have to worry about mistakenly recording over a  
precious memory.  
Just select a scene from the index screen.  
You don't need to bother running a tape forwards and backwards to find the  
scene you want to play back. Simply select a scene from the index screen and  
start the playback in a breeze.  
Easily play back your recordings on a DVD player.  
After your finalize your DVD (  
45), you can play it on a DVD player and share  
your recordings with friends and family.  
Playback on external devices  
Make sure to finalize discs (  
45) before you play them back on external  
DVD devices. The disc's type will affect its compatibility with external devices.  
For a summary, you can refer to the sidebar on page 46. However, to be sure,  
always refer to the instruction manual of the external device and make sure it  
is compatible before inserting the disc.  
For the highest compatibility with external DVD devices we recommend  
using VIDEO mode.  
Discs that have been tested  
The camcorder's performance was tested with single-layered discs using  
Hitachi-Maxell HG series DVD discs; and with dual-layered discs using Canon  
DVD-R DL54 discs and Verbatim DVD-R DL discs (as of January 2008*). For  
further details, contact directly the manufacturer's customer support center.  
Note that attempting to record or play with this camcorder DVD discs that  
were recorded, initialized or finalized with other digital devices can result in  
damage to the camcorder or in the permanent loss of the recordings.  
* For the latest information, visit your local Canon Web site or contact your nearest  
Canon office. The use of DVD-R DL discs that have not been tested by Canon may  
result in incorrect recording/playback or in not being able to remove the disc.  
4
Available features depend on the DVD disc used  
Disc type  
DVD-RW  
VIDEO  
DVD-R, DVD-R DL  
VR  
Disc specifications  
mode  
mode  
Editing scenes with this camcorder (deleting  
scenes, dividing scenes, etc.) ( 42)  
1
Deleting a scene after recording it ( 31)  
Initializing the disc in order to use it again for  
recording ( 44)  
Giving a title to the disc ( 44)  
Finalizing the disc in order to play it with an external  
2
DVD device ( 45)  
Adding recordings to a disc already finalized  
3
(
46)  
1
Only scenes in the playlist can be divided.  
Disc finalization is the processing of the free space (the unrecorded area) on the disc in  
order to make it playable on external DVD devices ( 45). Playback cannot be  
2
guaranteed with all external DVD devices. To finalize a DVD-R DL disc, the camcorder has  
to process both layers. Therefore, and depending on the amount of free space on the disc,  
this process may be lengthy.  
3
You will need to unfinalize the disc first.  
5
Table of contents  
Introduction ____________________________________  
3
4
9
How to Select a DVD Disc  
Advantages of Using DVDs  
About this Manual  
10 Getting to Know the Camcorder  
10  
11  
13  
Supplied Accessories  
Components Guide  
Screen Displays  
Preparations ____________________________________  
16 Getting Started  
16  
17  
Charging the Battery Pack  
Preparing the Accessories  
18 Basic Operation of the Camcorder  
18  
18  
18  
19  
Power Switch  
Operating Modes  
Joystick and Joystick Guide  
Using the Menus  
21 First Time Settings  
21  
21  
22  
Setting the Date and Time  
Changing the Language  
Changing the Time Zone  
22 Getting Ready to Start Recording  
22  
23  
25  
Opening the Lens Cover and Adjusting the LCD screen  
Inserting and Removing a Disc  
Inserting and Removing a Memory Card  
Video _________________________________________  
26 Basic Recording  
26  
28  
28  
29  
30  
Shooting Video  
Selecting the Recording Mode  
Zooming: Optical, Advanced and Digital Zoom  
Quick Start Function  
Reviewing and Deleting the Last Scene Recorded  
6 • Table of contents  
31 Basic Playback  
31  
33  
33  
Playing Back the Video  
Deleting Scenes  
On-Screen Displays (Data Code)  
34 Additional Functions  
34  
36  
37  
37  
38  
39  
39  
40  
41  
: Special Scene Recording Programs  
Flexible Recording: Changing the Shutter Speed  
LCD Video Light  
Self Timer  
Manual Focus Adjustment  
Manual Exposure Adjustment  
White Balance  
Image Effects  
Digital Effects  
42 Managing Scenes and the Disc  
42  
43  
43  
44  
Creating a Playlist  
Moving Scenes in the Playlist  
Dividing Scenes  
Initializing the Disc  
44 Disc Playback on an External Device  
44  
45  
46  
46  
Changing the Disc Title  
Finalizing the Disc  
Disc Playback on External Devices  
Unfinalizing the Disc - Additional Recordings on a Finalized Disc  
Photos ________________________________________  
48 Basic Recording  
48  
49  
50  
Taking Photos  
Selecting Photo Size and Quality  
Erasing the Last Photo Just Recorded  
50 Basic Playback  
50  
52  
52  
Viewing Photos  
Magnifying Photos during Playback  
Erasing Photos  
53 Additional Functions  
53  
Continuous Shooting and Exposure Bracketing (Drive  
Mode)  
54  
55  
55  
56  
Automatic Focus Priority  
Histogram and Other Screen Displays  
Protecting Photos  
Initializing the Memory Card  
Table of contents • 7  
57 Printing Photos  
57  
57  
Printing Photos  
Print Orders  
External Connections _____________________________  
58 Connecting to a TV or VCR  
58  
59  
59  
Connection Diagrams  
Playback on a TV Screen  
Copying your Recordings to an External Video Recorder  
Additional Information ____________________________  
60 Appendix: Menu Options Lists  
60  
60  
62  
63  
64  
64  
65  
66  
FUNC. Menu  
Setup menus  
Camera Setup (Advanced Zoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.)  
Disc Operations (Initialization, Finalization etc.)  
Still Image Operations (Card Initialization, etc.)  
Display Setup (LCD Brightness, Language, etc.)  
System Setup (Volume, Beep, etc.)  
Date/Time Setup  
67 Trouble?  
67  
70  
Troubleshooting  
List of Messages  
73 Do’s and Don’ts  
73  
77  
Handling Precautions  
Using the Camcorder Abroad  
78 General Information  
78  
79  
82  
85  
System Diagram  
Optional Accessories  
Specifications  
Index  
8 • Table of contents  
About this Manual  
Thank you for purchasing the Canon DC320/DC311/DC310/DC301. 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 (  
67).  
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, the type of disc required, etc.).  
: Reference page number.  
: Text that applies only to the model(s) shown in the icon.  
• The following terms are used in this manual:  
“Screen” refers to the LCD and the viewfinder screen.  
“Scene” refers to one movie unit from the point you press  
recording until you press again to pause the recording.  
Start/Stop  
to start  
The terms “photo” and “still image” are used interchangeably with the same  
meaning.  
• The photos included in this manual are simulated pictures taken with a still camera.  
• Note that unless indicated otherwise, screenshots and illustrations in this manual  
refer to the  
model.  
Changing the Language  
Options  
Default value  
[
]
[MAGYAR]  
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
]
]
Buttons and switches to be operated  
[DEUTSCH] [MELAYU]  
[
]
[POLSKI]  
]
ROMANA  
[ENGLISH]  
[
]
]
[ESPAÑOL] [TÜRKÇE]  
]
Names of buttons and switches other than the joystick  
are indicated within a buttonframe.  
[FRANÇAIS]  
[ITALIANO]  
[
[
]
]
]
]
For example  
.
FUNC.  
FUNC.  
(
29)  
FUNC.  
[
[
]
MENU  
Brackets [ ] and capital letters are used to refer to menu  
options as they are displayed on screen. In menu option  
lists and option tables the default value is shown in  
boldface.  
DISPLAY SETUP]  
[LANGUAGE  
Desired language  
FUNC.  
]
For example [ON], [OFF].  
Introduction • 9  
Getting to Know the Camcorder  
Supplied Accessories  
CA-570 Compact Power  
Adapter (incl. power cord)  
NB-2LH Battery Pack  
STV-250N Stereo Video  
Cable  
Yellow • Red • White plugs  
10 • Introduction  
Components Guide  
Lens cover switch (  
26, 48)  
Left side view  
(
open,  
closed)  
AV terminal (  
58)  
CARD access indicator (  
Speaker  
48)  
switch (  
Lock button  
18)  
DISC access indicator (  
CHARGE indicator (  
26) /  
16)  
Mode switch (  
27)  
Easy recording  
Recording programs  
Disc compartment cover (  
23)  
Grip belt (  
17)  
Strap mount (  
81)  
Right side view  
Stereo microphone  
Names of buttons and switches other than the  
joystick are indicated within a buttonframe  
FUNC.  
(for example  
).  
Front view  
Introduction • 11  
Joystick (  
18)  
Back view  
FUNC. button (  
DISP. button (  
19, 60)  
33, 55)  
Dioptric adjustment lever (  
Viewfinder ( 27)  
QUICK START button and standby lamp  
29)  
27)  
(
PLAY mode indicator (green) (  
CAMERA mode indicator (red) (  
18)  
18)  
OPEN (disc cover) switch (  
23)  
Start/Stop button (  
DC IN terminal (  
Serial number/  
26)  
17)  
Top view  
Battery attachment unit (  
16)  
RESET button (  
LCD screen (  
Zoom lever (  
67)  
22)  
28)  
/
(movies/still images) switch  
(
18)  
Tripod socket (  
17)  
Memory card slot  
(open the cover to access) (  
25  
)
BATT. (battery release) switch (  
16)  
Names of buttons and switches other than the  
joystick are indicated within a buttonframe  
FUNC.  
(for example  
).  
Bottom view  
12 • Introduction  
Screen Displays  
Recording movies  
Operating mode (  
Disc specification (  
18) /  
3)  
Recording program (  
34, 36)  
White balance (  
39)  
40)  
37)  
41)  
28)  
DVD-R,  
DVD-RW ( 3)  
Finalized disc mark (  
Image effect (  
LCD video light (  
Digital effects (  
Recording mode (  
Disc type  
DVD-R DL,  
45)  
Manual focus (  
Image stabilizer (  
Disc operation  
38)  
62)  
Playing movies  
(during playback)  
Time code/Playback time  
(hours : minutes : seconds)  
Remaining recording time on the disc  
Remaining battery charge (  
15)  
Wind screen off (  
62)  
Recording reminder  
Level marker (  
Scene number  
Joystick guide (  
64)  
18)  
Data code (  
33)  
Introduction • 13  
Recording still images  
Zoom (  
28), Exposure  
(
39)  
Recording program (  
34, 36)  
White balance (  
Image effect (  
39)  
40)  
37)  
41)  
LCD video light (  
Digital effects (  
Drive mode (  
53)  
49)  
Still image quality/size (  
Manual focus (  
38)  
Number of still images available on the  
memory card  
Viewing still images  
Self timer (  
AF frame (  
37)  
54)  
Joystick guide (  
Focus/exposure automatically set and  
locked ( 48)  
Camcorder shake warning (  
Image number ( 15)  
Current image / Total number of images  
Histogram ( 55)  
18)  
62)  
Date and time of recording  
Image protection mark (  
55)  
Manual exposure (  
39)  
Image size (  
File size  
49)  
Aperture value (  
Shutter speed (  
36)  
36)  
14 • Introduction  
Disc operation  
Record,  
Number of still images available on the card  
displayed in red: No card  
Record pause,  
Playback,  
Fast playback,  
Fast reverse playback,  
Slow playback,  
Slow reverse playback  
Playback pause,  
in green: 6 or more images  
in yellow: 1 to 5 images  
in red: No more images can be recorded  
• When viewing the still images, the display will  
always be in green.  
• Depending on the recording conditions, the  
number of available still images displayed may  
not decrease even after a recording has been  
made, or may decrease by 2 still images at  
once.  
Remaining recording time  
When there is no more disc space available,  
END” will be displayed and the recording  
will stop.  
Remaining battery charge estimate  
Card access display  
is displayed next to the number of images  
available while the camcorder is writing on the  
memory card.  
• When  
is displayed in red, replace the  
battery pack with a fully charged one.  
• When you attach an empty battery pack, the  
Image number  
The image number indicates the name and  
location of the file on the memory card. For  
example, the file name of image 101-0107 is  
“IMG_0107.JPG”, stored under the folder  
“DCIM\101CANON”.  
power may turn off without displaying  
.
• Depending on the conditions under which the  
camcorder and the battery pack are used, the  
actual battery charge may not be indicated  
accurately.  
Recording reminder  
The camcorder counts from 1 to 10 seconds  
when you start recording. This is helpful to avoid  
scenes that are too short.  
Introduction • 15  
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  
CHARGE  
indicator  
Getting Started  
DC IN terminal  
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  
page 79.  
3 Connect the power cord to the  
compact power adapter.  
4 Plug the power cord into a power  
outlet.  
5 Connect the compact power  
adapter to the camcorder’s DC IN  
terminal.  
• The CHARGE indicator starts  
flashing. The indicator will stay on  
when the charging is completed.  
You can also use the compact  
power adapter without attaching a  
battery pack.  
BATT. switch  
1 Turn off the camcorder.  
2 Attach the battery pack to the  
camcorder.  
• When the compact power adapter  
is connected, the power of the  
battery pack will not be consumed.  
Press the battery pack lightly and  
slide it up until it clicks.  
16 • Preparations  
NOTES  
ONCE THE BATTERY PACK IS FULLY CHARGED  
• The CHARGE indicator also serves as a  
rough estimate of the charge status.  
Continuously on: Battery pack fully  
charged.  
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  
1 Disconnect the compact power  
adapter from the camcorder.  
2 Unplug the power cord from the  
power outlet and the compact  
power adapter.  
TO REMOVE THE BATTERY PACK  
Troubleshooting (  
One flash at 1-second intervals: Battery  
pack less than 50% charged.  
• We recommend that you prepare battery  
packs to last 2 to 3 times longer than  
you think you might need.  
67).  
BATT.  
Press  
to release the battery  
pack. Slide the battery pack down  
and then pull it out.  
IMPORTANT  
Preparing the Accessories  
Turn off the camcorder before  
connecting or disconnecting the  
compact power adapter. After you turn  
the  
switch to  
, important file  
allocation data is updated on the disc.  
Be sure to wait until the PLAY and  
CAMERA mode indicators are  
completely off.  
You may hear some noise from the  
compact power adapter during use.  
This is not a malfunction.  
• We recommend charging the battery  
pack in temperatures between 10 °C  
and 30 °C. Outside the temperature  
range of 0 °C to 40 °C, the 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.  
Fasten the grip belt.  
Adjust the grip belt so that you can  
reach the zoom lever with your index  
finger, and the  
your thumb.  
button with  
Start/Stop  
WHEN YOU MOUNT THE CAMCORDER ON A  
TRIPOD  
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.  
Do not leave the viewfinder  
exposed to direct sunlight  
as it may melt (due to  
concentration of the light by  
the lens). Do not use tripods  
with fastening screws  
longer than 5.5 mm. Doing  
so may damage the camcorder.  
Preparations • 17  
Basic Operation of the Camcorder  
Operating Modes  
Basic Operation of the  
Camcorder  
The camcorder’s operating mode is  
determined by the  
switch and the  
position of the  
manual,  
/
switch. In this  
Power Switch  
indicates that a function is  
available in the operating mode shown and  
indicates that the function is not  
available. When no operating mode icons  
are given, the function is available in all  
operating modes.  
Lock button  
In addition to turning the camcorder on  
Joystick and Joystick Guide  
and off, the  
switch also toggles the  
camcorder’s operating mode.  
To turn on the camcorder: Hold the lock  
button pressed down and turn the  
switch to ON.  
Use the joystick to operate the  
camcorder's menus.  
Push the joystick up, down, left or right  
(
,
) to select an item or change  
To change the operating mode: From the ON  
settings.  
position, turn the  
switch  
momentarily toward MODE and release it.  
This action will toggle the operating mode  
between recording (CAMERA - red  
indicator) and playback (PLAY - green  
indicator).  
Press the joystick itself (  
) to save the  
settings or confirm an action. On menu  
screens, this is indicated by the icon  
.
Operatingmode  
indicator  
/
Operating mode  
Icon display  
Operation  
switch  
Recording movies  
on a disc  
26  
48  
(movies)  
Recording still  
images on a  
memory card  
(Red)  
(still images)  
Playing movies  
from a disc  
31  
50  
(movies)  
Viewing still images  
from a memory card  
(Green)  
(still images)  
18 • Preparations  
The functions assigned to the joystick  
change according to the operation  
mode and the camcorder’s settings.  
Selecting a FUNC. Menu Option  
Press  
to display/hide the joystick  
guide (when recording, the joystick  
guide will appear only when the mode  
switch is set to ). In the illustrations  
of this manual, positions other than  
those relevant to the function explained  
are marked with a striped pattern.  
Depending on the operating mode,  
these positions may be empty or show a  
different icon than the one on the  
illustration.  
NEXT  
When the guide contains multiple  
“pages”, [NEXT] and the page number  
icon ( ) will appear at the bottom  
position. Push the joystick ( ) toward  
[NEXT] to display the next “page” of the  
guide.  
FUNC.  
1 Press  
.
2 Select (  
) the icon of the  
function you want change from the  
Using the Menus  
left side column.  
Menu items not available will appear  
grayed out.  
Many of the camcorder’s functions can  
be adjusted from the menus that open  
after pressing the FUNC. button  
FUNC.  
3 Select ( ) the desired setting  
from the available options at the  
bottom bar.  
(
).  
For details about the available menu  
• The selected option will be  
highlighted in light blue. Menu  
items not available will appear  
grayed out.  
options and settings, refer to the Menu  
Options Lists (  
60).  
• With some settings, you will need  
to make further selections and/or  
press  
. Follow the additional  
operation guides that will appear  
on the screen (such as the  
icon, small arrows, etc.).  
FUNC.  
4 Press  
to save the settings  
and close the menu.  
Preparations • 19  
FUNC.  
You can press  
menu at any time.  
to close the  
4 Select (  
) the setting you want to  
change and press  
.
• The orange selection bar indicates  
the menu setting currently selected.  
Items not available appear in black.  
• Push the joystick ( ) to return to  
the menu selection screen (step 3).  
Selecting an Option from the Setup Menus  
5 Select (  
) the desired option and  
to save the setting.  
press  
FUNC.  
6 Press  
.
FUNC.  
You can press  
menu at any time.  
to close the  
Abbreviation of Menu Selections in this  
Manual  
In this manual, the  
arrow is used to  
abbreviate menu selections. Below is an  
example of changing a setting using the  
setup menus.  
FUNC.  
[
[
MENU]  
DISPLAY SETUP]  
[LANGUAGE  
]
Desired language  
FUNC.  
FUNC.  
1 Press  
.
In the index screen (VIDEO mode)  
and still image index screen, the  
setup menus will open. Skip to  
step 3.  
For selections in the FUNC. menu, the  
abbreviated form will always show the  
initial default value. In recording mode,  
its icon will appear on the left side  
column when you first open the menu. If  
the setting was changed, the icon of the  
currently selected option will appear  
instead.  
2 Select (  
) the  
icon and press  
to open the setup menus.  
FUNC.  
You can also hold  
pressed  
down for more than 1 second to  
open directly the setup menus  
screen.  
FUNC.  
• In the index screen (DVD-RW discs  
in VR mode), push the joystick  
[
IMAGE EFFECT OFF]  
Desired image effect  
(
) to select the  
icon.  
FUNC.  
3 Select (  
) the desired menu from  
the left side column and press  
.
The title of the selected menu  
appears on top of the screen and  
under it the list of settings.  
20 • Preparations  
First Time Settings  
(for example, [1.JAN.2008 12:00 AM]).  
First Time Settings  
You can change the date format (  
You can also change the date and time  
later on (not during the initial setup). To  
open the [DATE/TIME] screen, press  
FUNC.  
66).  
and select  
[DATE/TIME  
Setting the Date and Time  
SETUP]  
[DATE/TIME].  
You will need to set the date and time of  
the camcorder before you can start  
using it. The [DATE/TIME] screen will  
appear automatically when the  
Changing the Language  

Options  
Default value  
camcorder’s clock is not set.  
[
]
[MAGYAR]  
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
]
[DEUTSCH] [MELAYU]  
]
[
]
[POLSKI]  
]

ROMANA  
[ENGLISH]  
[
]
]
[ESPAÑOL] [TÜRKÇE]  
]
[FRANÇAIS]  
[ITALIANO]  
[
[
]
]
When the [DATE/TIME] screen appears,  
the year will be displayed in orange and  
indicated with up/down arrows.  
]
]
FUNC.  
1 Change (  
) the year and move  
) to the month.  
(
20)  
(
FUNC.  
2 Change the rest of the fields  
(month, day, hour and minutes) in  
the same way.  
[
[
MENU]  
DISPLAY SETUP]  
[LANGUAGE  
Desired language  
]
3 Move ( ) the cursor to the [OK]  
button and press  
to start the  
FUNC.  
clock and close the menu.  
IMPORTANT  
NOTES  
• If you changed the language by mistake,  
• When you do not use the camcorder for  
about 3 months, the built-in  
follow the mark next to the menu  
item to change the setting.  
rechargeable lithium battery may  
discharge completely and the date and  
time setting may be lost. In such case,  
recharge the built-in lithium battery  
• The display  
that appears in some  
menu screens refers to the name of  
buttons on the camcorder and will not  
change, regardless of the language  
selected.  
(
75) and set the time zone, date and  
time again.  
• The date appears in a year-month-day  
format only in the first setup screen. In  
subsequent screen displays the date  
and time will appear as day-month-year  
Preparations • 21  
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 Paris.  
Opening the Lens Cover and Adjusting  
the LCD screen  
FUNC.  
(
20)  
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  
.
World Time Zones  
Once you have set the time zone, date  
and time, you do not need to reset the  
clock every time you travel to another  
time zone. Select the time zone to  
match the local time at your destination,  
referring to the date and time displayed  
on the screen.  
Move the lens cover switch down to  
to open the lens cover.  
Rotating the LCD Panel  
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees.  
You can rotate the panel 90 degrees  
downward.  
1 Open the date and time setup  
screen.  
FUNC.  
[
MENU]  
[
DATE/TIME SETUP]  
[T.ZONE/DST]  
180°  
2 Move the orange selection frame  
(
) to the  
time zone.  
3 Select (  
) the area that  
corresponds to the local time at  
your destination and press  
90°  
.
You can rotate the panel 180 degrees  
toward the lens (allowing the subject to  
monitor the LCD screen while you use  
the viewfinder). This is the only case  
where you can use the viewfinder and  
the LCD screen simultaneously.  
• Refer to the changing date and  
time displayed on the screen.  
To adjust for daylight saving time,  
select the area name marked with a  
.
FUNC.  
4 Press  
to close the menu.  
Rotating the LCD panel 180 degrees  
can be useful when you wish to include  
22 • Preparations  
yourself in the picture when recording  
with the self timer.  
NOTES  
• This setting does not affect the  
brightness of the recording.  
• Using the bright setting will shorten the  
effective usage time of the battery pack.  
180°  
Inserting and Removing a Disc  
Subject can monitor the LCD screen  
Use only 8 cm mini DVD discs marked  
with the DVD-R  
DVD-R DL) or the DVD-RW  
Refer also to Discs that have been  
tested ( 4).  
Before inserting the disc be sure to  
check that the recording surface is  
clean. If necessary, use a soft lens-  
cleaning cloth to remove any  
logo (including  
NOTES  
logo.  
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.  
fingerprints, dirt buildup or smudges  
from the disc surface.  
Inserting the Disc  
LCD Backlight  
(
18)  
You can set the brightness of the LCD  
screen to normal or bright.  
Pick up lens  
DISP.  
Hold  
pressed down for more  
1 Turn the  
switch to ON to  
set the camcorder in  
mode.  
than 2 seconds.  
Repeat this action to toggle between  
the normal and bright settings.  
OPEN  
2 Slide  
fully in the direction of  
the arrow and gently open the disc  
cover completely until it stops.  
Preparations • 23  
Retract the grip belt under the  
camcorder so it will not get in the way  
of the disc cover.  
new DVD-RW disc is first inserted if the  
switch is set to (movies). If  
the disc is already initialized, you can  
start recording movies once the record  
/
3 Insert the disc and press its center  
firmly until it clicks in place.  
pause  
indicator appears.  
Otherwise, perform the following steps  
to initialize the disc.  
• Insert the disc with the recording  
side facing down (single sided  
discs – label side facing out).  
• Be careful not to touch the  
recording surface of the disc or the  
pick up lens.  
Select (  
specification and press  
) the desired disc  
. For a  
comparison between the VIDEO and  
VR specifications, see How to Select  
a DVD Disc (  
A confirmation message will appear  
on the screen. Select ( ) [YES] and  
press to start the disc  
3).  
initialization, or select [NO] and press  
to return and select a different  
disc specification.  
• The disc initialization will take  
approximately one minute. Avoid  
moving the camcorder while the  
operation is in progress.  
You can start recording movies  
once the record pause  
4 Close the disc cover.  
Do not force the cover closed if the  
disc is not correctly inserted and  
firmly set in place.  
indicator appears.  
Removing the Disc  
NOTES  
The process of recognizing a disc may take  
a moment. The  
display will move while  
the disc is being read. Wait until the  
camcorder finishes recognizing the disc  
before you start recording.  
WHEN USING DVD-R/DVD-R DL DISCS  
You can start recording movies once the  
OPEN  
1 Slide  
fully in the direction of  
record pause  
indicator appears.  
the arrow and gently open the disc  
cover completely until it stops.  
• Do not subject the camcorder to  
strong impacts while the DISC  
access indicator is on or flashing.  
WHEN USING DVD-RW DISCS  
You need to initialize new discs before  
you can start recording. The disc  
initialization screen will appear when a  
24 • Preparations  
• Retract the grip belt under the  
camcorder so it will not get in the  
way of the disc cover.  
2 Open the memory card slot cover.  
3 Insert the memory card straight all  
the way into the memory card slot.  
• It may take a moment after sliding  
4 Close the cover.  
Do not force the cover closed if the  
memory card is not correctly inserted.  
OPEN  
for the disc cover to open.  
2 Grab the edge of the disc and  
gently pull it out.  
Be careful not to touch the recording  
surface of the disc or the pick up  
lens.  
TO REMOVE THE MEMORY CARD  
First push the memory card once  
to release it, and then pull the card  
out.  
3 Close the disc cover.  
IMPORTANT  
OPEN  
When you slide  
after making a  
IMPORTANT  
recording, important file allocation data is  
updated on the disc before the disc cover  
opens. While the DISC access indicator is  
on or flashing do not subject the  
• Make sure to initialize all memory cards  
before using them with this camcorder  
(
56).  
camcorder to shocks such as forcefully  
laying it on a table.  
• Memory cards have front and back  
sides that are not interchangeable.  
Inserting a memory card facing the  
wrong direction can cause a malfunction  
of the camcorder.  
Inserting and Removing a Memory Card  
NOTES  
You can use commercially available  
SDHC (SD High Capacity)  
• Compatibility with all SD, SDHC or  
MMC memory cards cannot be  
guaranteed.  
memory cards,  
SD memory  
cards or MultiMedia Cards (MMC) with  
this camcorder.  
About SDHC Memory Cards: SDHC is the  
new type of SD memory card with  
capacities over 2 GB. Please note that  
the specifications of SDHC memory  
cards are different from those of regular  
SD memory cards and you will not be  
able to use memory cards of over 2 GB  
with devices that do not support SDHC.  
However, SDHC devices (including this  
camcorder) are backward compatible  
and support regular SD memory cards.  
1 Turn off the camcorder.  
Preparations • 25  
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  
The red CAMERA indicator will turn  
on.  
Basic Recording  
3 Move the lens cover switch down  
to  
to open the lens cover.  
Start/Stop  
4 Press  
to begin recording.  
Shooting Video  
• The recording starts; press  
Start/Stop  
again to pause the  
recording.  
Before You Begin Recording  
• The DISC access indicator will flash  
while recording and will stay on  
briefly after pausing while the  
scene is recorded on the disc.  
Make a test recording first to check if  
the camcorder operates correctly.  
Since recordings made on a DVD-R or  
DVD-R DL disc cannot be deleted, we  
recommend you use a DVD-RW disc  
to make the test recordings.  
WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED RECORDING  
1 Make sure that the DISC access  
indicator is off.  
(
18)  
2 Turn off the camcorder.  
3 Close the lens cover and the LCD  
panel.  
4 Remove the disc.  
IMPORTANT  
When recording movies, try to get a calm,  
stable picture.  
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.  
1 Move the  
(movies).  
/
switch to  
switch to ON to set  
2 Turn the  
the camcorder in CAMERA mode.  
26 • Video  
• Observe the following precautions while  
the DISC access indicator is on or  
flashing. Failing to do so may result in  
permanent data loss.  
- Do not subject the camcorder to  
vibrations or strong impacts.  
- Do not open the disc cover and do not  
remove the disc.  
- Do not disconnect the power source or  
turn off the camcorder.  
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 (  
or use the viewfinder instead. To use  
the viewfinder, keep the LCD panel  
closed*.  
23)  
- Do not change the operating mode.  
NOTES  
About the recording time: By changing the  
recording mode you can change the  
recording time available on the disc  
(
28).  
About the Power Save mode: To save power  
when the camcorder is powered by a  
battery pack, the camcorder will  
Adjust the viewfinder as necessary  
with the dioptric adjustment lever.  
* The LCD screen and the viewfinder  
can be used simultaneously when the  
LCD panel is turned 180 degrees to  
automatically shut off if left without any  
operations for 5 minutes (  
restore the power, turn the  
65). To  
switch  
face the subject (  
23).  
toward MODE and release it, or turn the  
switch to and back to ON  
again.  
• 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.  
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 (  
to select one of the recording programs.  
34) offer a convenient  
way to select the optimal settings to match special recording  
conditions. Conversely, with flexible recording programs (  
36) you  
can set the shutter speed you want, or enjoy the flexibility to change other  
settings.  
Video • 27  
Selecting the Recording Mode  
Zooming: Optical, Advanced and Digital  
Zoom  
Changing the recording mode will  
change the recording time available on  
the disc. Select XP or SP mode for  
better movie quality; select LP mode for  
longer recording times.  
The camcorder offers three types of  
zoom: optical, advanced and digital  
zoom when recording movies. (In  
mode only the optical zoom  
The following table gives approximate  
recording times with a brand new DVD  
disc (on a single recording side).  
is available.) You can also change the  
zoom speed.  

Selecting the Zoom Type  
Default value  
Disc type  

Options  
Default value  
Recording mode  
DVD-R,  
DVD-R DL  
DVD-RW  
[OPTICAL] (37x,  
32x)  
The zoom range is limited to the optical  
magnification ratio of the lens.  
20 min.  
30 min.  
60 min.  
36 min.  
54 min.  
108 min.  


[ADVANCED] (Advanced Zoom)  
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. When recording  
movies with a 16:9 aspect ratio, the field of view  
(picture angle) will change. Refer to the table in  
the NOTES section.  
(
18)  
FUNC.  
19)  
(
[DIGITAL] (2000x)  
FUNC.  
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.  
[
STANDARD PLAY]  
Desired recording mode  
FUNC.  
NOTES  
The camcorder uses a variable bit rate  
(VBR) when encoding the video data so the  
actual recording times will vary depending  
on the content of the scenes.  
FUNC.  
(
19)  
FUNC.  
[
[
MENU]  
CAMERA SETUP]  
[ZOOM TYPE]  
Desired option  
FUNC.  
28 • Video  
FUNC.  
NOTES  
[
[
MENU]  
CAMERA SETUP]  
• The zoom range of the advanced zoom  
will change depending on the aspect  
ratio of the scene (  
[ZOOM SPEED]  
Desired option  
63).  
The advanced  
FUNC.  
zoom cannot be selected if  
[WIDESCREEN] is set to [  
OFF].  
NOTES  
The fastest zoom speed can be achieved  
[WIDESCREEN] set to [  
ON] (16:9)  
41x**,  
with the [  
VARIABLE] setting.  
45x*,  
36x**  
Using the Zoom  
* The picture angle will be wider at both full  
telephoto and full wide-angle.  
**The picture angle will be wider at full  
wide-angle.  
(
18)  
[WIDESCREEN] set to [  
OFF] (4:3)  
W
46x,  
Not  
Zoom out  
available  
Selecting the Zoom Speed  
Zoom in  
T
(
18)  
Move the zoom lever toward W to  
zoom out (wide-angle). Move it  
toward T to zoom in (telephoto).  

Options  
Default value  

[
VARIABLE]  
The variable zoom speed depends on how you  
operate the zoom lever: Press gently for slower  
zooms; press harder for faster zooms. With this  
option, the zoom speed will be faster in record  
pause mode.  
NOTES  
Keep at least 1 m to the subject. At full  
wide-angle, you can focus on a subject as  
close as 1 cm.  
[
[
SPEED 1], [  
SPEED 3]  
SPEED 2],  
Quick Start Function  
Constant zoom speeds. [  
SPEED 3] is the  
fastest, and [  
SPEED 1] is the slowest.  
QUICK START  
When you press  
the  
camcorder enters the  
standby mode.  
FUNC.  
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 press  
(
19)  
Video • 29  
QUICK START  
shut-off with the [ STANDBY OFF]  
setting ( 65).  
To restore the power if the camcorder  
shut off, turn the switch toward  
again the camcorder is  
ready to start recording within approx.  
1 second*, ensuring you do not miss  
important shooting opportunities.  
MODE and release it, or turn the  
camcorder off and then on again.  
• If you perform any of the following  
actions while in standby mode (while the  
standby lamp is on), the camcorder will  
be woken up from standby mode.  
- Open the disc compartment cover.  
* The exact time required until the camcorder  
is ready to start recording may vary  
depending on the shooting conditions.  
(
18)  
- Change the position of the  
switch.  
/
- Turn the  
switch toward MODE.  
Reviewing and Deleting the Last Scene  
Recorded  
Even in  
mode you can play  
QUICK START  
1 Press  
firmly.  
back the last scene recorded in order to  
check it. If you are using a DVD-RW  
disc, you can also delete the scene  
while reviewing it.  
The standby lamp flashes at first  
while the camcorder is preparing and  
then stays on when it enters the  
standby mode.  
(
18)  
2 When you wish to resume  
QUICK START  
recording, press  
again.  
Within approx. 1 second, the  
camcorder is ready to record.  
NEXT  
NOTES  
1 If the joystick guide does not  
appear on screen, press  
display it.  
to  
• When you wake up the camcorder from  
standby mode, the following settings will  
be changed automatically:  
- Manual focus returns to automatic  
focus (AF).  
If  
guide, repeatedly push the joystick  
) toward [NEXT] to display it.  
does not appear on the joystick  
(
- Manual exposure adjustment returns to  
automatic exposure.  
- Zoom position returns to full wide  
angle W.  
• The camcorder will shut off if left in  
standby mode for 10 minutes, regardless  
2 Push the joystick ( ) toward  
.
• The camcorder plays back the last  
scene (but without sound) and  
returns to record pause mode.  
• While reviewing the scene, select  
the  
icon and press  
to return  
of the [POWER SAVE] setting (  
65).  
to the recording mode.  
You can select the length of time until  
30 • Video  
Basic Playback  
Deleting a Scene After Recording It  
POINTS TO CHECK  
Basic Playback  
Disc type:  
DVD-RW  
Playing Back the Video  
After recording a scene:  
1 Review the scene as described in  
the previous section.  
2 While reviewing the scene, select  
(
18)  
(
)
and press  
.
3 Select ( ) [YES] and press  
.
NOTES  
• Avoid any other operations on the  
camcorder while the scene is being  
deleted.  
You will not be able to delete the last  
scene if after the scene was recorded  
you changed the operating mode, turned  
off the camcorder or removed the disc.  
1 Move the  
(movies).  
/
switch to  
switch to ON, then  
2 Turn the  
turn it toward MODE and release it  
to set the camcorder in PLAY  
mode.  
• The green PLAY indicator will turn  
on.  
• The scene index screen appears.  
3 Move (  
,
) the selection  
frame to the scene you want to  
play back.  
4 Press  
to begin the playback.  
The playback will start from the scene  
selected and continue until the end of  
the last scene recorded.  
Video • 31  
TO PAUSE/STOP PLAYBACK  
TO ADJUST THE VOLUME  
5 If the joystick guide does not  
During the playback of a scene:  
appear on screen, press  
display it.  
6 Push the joystick ( ) toward  
to  
FUNC.  
[
SPEAKER VOL.]  
Adjust ( ) the volume  
/
to pause the playback.  
FUNC.  
7 Push the joystick ( ) toward  
to  
stop the playback and return to the  
scene index screen.  
• The sound from the built-in speaker will  
be muted when you close the LCD panel  
or while the STV-250N Stereo Video  
Cable is connected to the AV terminal.  
• If you turn down the volume completely,  
NOTES  
• Depending on the recording conditions,  
you may notice brief stops in video or  
sound playback between scenes.  
• This camcorder can play back discs  
recorded with this camcorder. Discs  
recorded with other camcorders or discs  
created with a computer may not play  
back correctly.  
the icon will change to  
.
• Be sure to finalize discs to play them  
back on external DVD devices (  
45).  
Special playback modes  
Use the joystick guide to enter the special playback modes. There is no sound  
during the special playback modes.  
Special playback mode  
Fast playback  
Initial mode  
Camcorder operation  
Normal playback Push the joystick ( ) toward  
or  
(
) toward  
.
Perform operation again to increase playback  
speed 5x 15x the normal speed.  
Slow playback  
Playback pause Push the joystick ( ) toward  
) toward  
or  
(
.
Perform operation again to increase playback  
speed 1/8x 1/4x the normal speed.  
End special playback mode  
Special playback Push the joystick ( ) toward  
/
.
During some special playback modes, you may notice some anomalies (blocky  
video artifacts, banding, etc.) in the playback picture.  
32 • Video  
Deleting Scenes  
FUNC.  
20)  
(
If you are using a DVD-RW disc, you can  
delete those scenes that you are not  
interested in keeping.  
FUNC.  
[
[
MENU]  
DISC OPERATIONS]  
[DEL.ALL MOVIES]*  
FUNC.  
[YES]  
Deleting a Single Scene  
* When you are deleting the playlist, this  
menu option will be replaced by  
[DEL.PLAYLIST].  
(
18)  
POINTS TO CHECK  
Disc type: DVD-RW • VR mode  
IMPORTANT  
Be careful when deleting original  
recordings. Once deleted, an original  
scene cannot be recovered.  
From the original index screen, select  
) the scene to delete. To  
delete a scene only in the playlist,  
(
,
switch to the playlist first (  
then select the scene.  
43), and  
NOTES  
You may not be able to delete scenes  
shorter than 5 seconds. To delete such  
scenes you must initialize the disc  
FUNC.  
(
20)  
(
44), in the process deleting all the  
recordings on the disc.  
FUNC.  
• Do not change the position of the  
[
DELETE]  
[YES]  
switch or the  
/
switch while the  
scene is being deleted (while the DISC  
access indicator is on or flashing).  
Deleting All Scenes  
(
18)  
On-Screen Displays (Data Code)  
POINTS TO CHECK  
The camcorder keeps a data code  
Disc type:  
DVD-RW • VR mode  
containing the date and time and other  
camera data (shutter speed, aperture,  
etc.) registered at the time of recording.  
You can select the data to be displayed.  
For details about on-screen displays for  
still images, refer to Histogram and  
To delete all the scenes from the original  
index screen, perform the following  
procedure. This will delete also the  
whole playlist. If you want to delete only  
the playlist (without affecting the original  
recordings), switch to the playlist first  
Other Screen Displays (  
55).  
(
43), and then continue as follows.  
Video • 33  
Additional Functions  
Additional Functions  
(
18)  
: 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  
options, refer to the sidebar on page 35.  
DISP.  
Repeatedly press  
to turn the  
on-screen displays on/off in the  
following sequence:  
(
18)  
• All displays on  
• All displays off1  
POINTS TO CHECK  
Mode switch:  
• All displays on  
• Data code2 only  
• All displays off  
FUNC.  
19)  
(
1
However, the markers and the icons  
and  
FUNC.  
will still appear on the screen.  
[
PROGRAM AE]  
2
Data code: Time, date and camera data at  
the time of recording. The contents to be  
displayed can be selected with the [DATA  
Desired recording program  
FUNC.  
CODE] setting (  
64).  
34 • Video  
[
PORTRAIT]  
[
BEACH]  
The camcorder  
uses a large  
aperture, achieving  
a focus on the  
Use this mode to  
record on a sunny  
beach. It prevents  
the subject from  
subject while blurring other distracting  
details.  
being underexposed.  
[
SPORTS]  
[
SUNSET]  
Use this mode to  
record sports  
scenes such as  
tennis or golf.  
Use this mode to  
record sunsets in  
vibrant colors.  
[
NIGHT]  
[
SPOTLIGHT]  
Use this mode to  
record in dimly lit  
places.  
Use this mode to  
record spotlit  
scenes.  
[
SNOW]  
[
FIREWORKS]  
Use this mode to  
record in bright ski  
resorts. It prevents  
the subject from  
Use this mode to  
record fireworks.  
being underexposed.  
- Autofocus may not work as well as in  
other modes. In such case, adjust the  
focus manually.  
NOTES  
• Do not set the mode switch to  
during the actual recording of a scene;  
the brightness of the picture may change  
abruptly.  
• [ SNOW]/[ BEACH]  
- The subject may become overexposed  
on cloudy days or in shaded places.  
Check the image on the screen.  
• [ PORTRAIT]/[ SPORTS]/  
• [ FIREWORKS]  
[
BEACH]/[ SNOW]  
- To avoid camcorder shake, we  
recommend using a tripod. Make sure  
to use a tripod especially in  
mode, as the shutter  
- The picture may not appear smooth  
during playback.  
• [ PORTRAIT]  
- The blur effect of the background  
increases the more you zoom in (T).  
speed slows down.  
• [ 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 • 35  
1 If the joystick guide appears on the  
screen, press to hide it.  
2 Adjust ( ) the shutter speed to  
the desired value.  
Flexible Recording: Changing the  
Shutter Speed  
Use the automatic exposure (AE)  
program to use functions like the white  
balance or image effects, or give priority  
to the shutter speed.  
Use faster shutter speeds to record  
subjects moving quickly. Use slower  
shutter speeds to add motion blur,  
emphasizing the feel of movement.  
Shutter speed guidelines  
Note that on screen only the  
denominator is displayed – [  
indicates a shutter speed of 1/250  
second, etc.  
250]  
1/2*, 1/3*, 1/6, 1/12, 1/25  
To record in dimly lit places.  
1/50  
(
18)  
To record under most ordinary conditions.  
1/120  
POINTS TO CHECK  
Mode switch:  
Options  

Default value  
To record indoor sports scenes.  
1/250, 1/500, 1/1000**  

[
PROGRAM AE]  
The camcorder automatically adjusts the  
aperture and shutter speed to obtain the  
optimal exposure for the subject.  
To record from within a moving car or train or to  
shoot fast-moving subjects such as roller  
coasters.  
[
SHUTTER-PRIO.AE]  
1/2000**  
Set the shutter speed value. The camcorder  
automatically sets the appropriate aperture  
value.  
To record outdoor sports scenes on sunny days.  
*
**  
mode only.  
mode only.  
FUNC.  
19)  
NOTES  
(
• Do not set the mode switch to  
during the actual recording of a scene;  
the brightness of the picture may change  
abruptly.  
FUNC.  
[
PROGRAM AE]  
Desired option  
FUNC.  
• [  
SHUTTER-PRIO.AE]  
- When setting the shutter speed, the  
number display will flash if the value is  
not appropriate for the recording  
conditions. In such case, select a  
different value.  
TO SET THE SHUTTER SPEED  
When you select [ SHUTTER-  
PRIO.AE], a numeric value will appear  
next to the recording program icon.  
- If you use a slow shutter speed in dark  
places, you can obtain a brighter  
36 • Video  
image, but the image quality may be  
lower, and the autofocus may not work  
well.  
- The image may flicker when recording  
with fast shutter speeds.  
POINTS TO CHECK  
: Set the camcorder to record  
pause mode.  
FUNC.  
(
19)  
LCD Video Light  
1 Activate the self timer.  
FUNC.  
[
MENU]  
You can use the LCD video light to  
record in completely dark places. For a  
brighter picture, we recommend  
[
CAMERA SETUP]  
[SELF TIMER]  
[
ON  
]
keeping a distance of about 20 cm -  
60 cm from the subject and/or using the  
FUNC.  
2 Press  
to close the menu.  
appears.  
• Set [SELF TIMER] to [  
cancel the self timer.  
[
NIGHT] recording program. When  
OFF] to  
you activate the LCD video light, rotate  
the LCD panel to face the subject and  
Start/Stop  
3 Press  
on the camcorder to  
use the viewfinder instead (  
27).  
start recording.  
The camcorder starts recording video  
(
18)  
(
mode) or takes a still  
mode) after a  
image (  
10-second countdown. The  
countdown appears on the screen.  
FUNC.  
(
19)  
NOTES  
FUNC.  
[
[
LCD LIGHT OFF]  
LCD LIGHT ON]*  
Once the countdown has begun, you can  
Start/Stop  
press  
again or turn off the  
Press  
FUNC.  
camcorder to cancel the self timer.  
* Using the viewfinder, select [  
LCD LIGHT  
OFF] instead to turn the LCD video light off.  
Closing the LCD panel will also turn the LCD  
video light off.  
The LCD display turns entirely white  
when used as the video light. Use the  
viewfinder instead.  
Self Timer  
(
18)  
Video • 37  
• Pushing the joystick ( ) toward  
[FOCUS] again will return the  
camcorder to autofocus.  
Manual Focus Adjustment  
4 Push the joystick ( ) toward  
[NEXT] to save the focus  
adjustment.  
Autofocus may not work well on the  
following subjects. In such case, focus  
manually.  
Infinity Focus  
• Reflective surfaces  
• Subjects with low contrast or without  
vertical lines  
• Fast moving subjects  
• Through wet windows  
• Night scenes  
Use this function when you wish to  
focus on faraway subjects such as  
mountains or fireworks.  
POINTS TO CHECK  
Adjust the zoom before you start the  
procedure.  
(
18)  
Mode switch:  
POINTS TO CHECK  
Adjust the zoom before you start the  
procedure.  
FOCUS  
Mode switch:  
NEXT  
FOCUS  
1 If the joystick guide does not  
appear on screen, press  
display it.  
to  
NEXT  
2
Keep the joystick pushed ( ) toward  
[FOCUS] for more than  
2 seconds.  
1 If the joystick guide does not  
appear on screen, press  
display it.  
to  
appears.  
• Pushing the joystick ( ) toward  
[FOCUS] again will return the  
camcorder to autofocus.  
If [FOCUS] does not appear on the  
joystick guide, repeatedly push the  
joystick ( ) toward [NEXT] to display  
it.  
• If you operate the zoom or the  
joystick (  
),  
changes to “MF”  
2 Push the joystick ( ) toward  
[FOCUS].  
“MF” appears.  
and the camcorder returns to  
manual focusing mode.  
3 Push the joystick ( ) toward  
[NEXT] to save the focus  
adjustment.  
3 Adjust (  
necessary.  
) the focus as  
• Push the joystick ( ) toward  
for a farther focal distance or push  
it ( ) toward  
distance.  
for a closer focal  
38 • Video  
4 Push the joystick ( ) toward  
[NEXT] to lock and save the  
exposure setting.  
Manual Exposure Adjustment  
If you operate the zoom during  
exposure lock, the brightness of the  
image may change.  
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.  
White Balance  
(
18)  
The white balance function helps you to  
accurately reproduce colors under  
different lighting conditions so that white  
objects will always look truly white in  
your recordings.  
POINTS TO CHECK  
Mode switch: (except for the  
[
FIREWORKS] recording program).  
(
18)  
EXP  
POINTS TO CHECK  
Mode switch: (except for the Special  
NEXT  
Scene recording programs)  
1 If the joystick guide does not  

appear on screen, press  
display it.  
to  
Options  
Default value  

[
AUTO]  
If [EXP] does not appear on the  
joystick guide, repeatedly push the  
joystick ( ) toward [NEXT] to display  
it.  
Settings are automatically set by the  
camcorder. Use this setting for outdoor scenes.  
[
DAYLIGHT]  
For recording outdoors on a bright day.  
TUNGSTEN]  
2 Push the joystick ( ) toward  
[EXP].  
The exposure adjustment indicator  
and the neutral value “ 0”  
appear on the screen.  
[
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 cancel the  
Use the custom white balance setting to make  
white subjects appear white under colored  
lighting.  
exposure lock and return the  
camcorder to automatic exposure.  
Video • 39  
Image Effects  
FUNC.  
19)  
(
You can use the image effects to change  
the color saturation and contrast to  
record images with special color effects.  
FUNC.  
[
AUTO]  
Desired option*  
FUNC.  
* When you select [ SET], do not press  
(
18)  
FUNC.  
and continue instead with the  
following procedure.  
POINTS TO CHECK  
Mode switch: (except for the Special  
Scene recording programs)  
TO SET THE CUSTOM WHITE BALANCE  
1 Point the camcorder at a white  
object, zoom in until it fills the  

Options  
Default value  

[
IMAGE EFFECT OFF]  
whole screen and press  
.
When the adjustment is completed,  
stops flashing and stays on. The  
camcorder retains the custom setting  
even if you turn off the camcorder.  
Records with no image enhancing effects.  
VIVID]  
Emphasizes the contrast and color saturation.  
NEUTRAL]  
Tones down the contrast and color saturation.  
SOFT SKIN DETAIL]  
[
FUNC.  
2 Press  
to save the setting  
and close the menu.  
[
NOTES  
• When you select the custom white balance:  
- Set the custom white balance in a  
sufficiently illuminated place.  
[
Softens the details in the skin tone area for a  
more complimentary appearance. To obtain the  
best effect, use this setting when recording a  
person in close-up. Note that areas similar to  
the skin color may lack in detail.  
- Select a zoom type other than  
[
DIGITAL] (  
28).  
- 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].  
• Custom white balance may provide  
better results in the following cases:  
- Changing lighting conditions  
- Close-ups  
- Subjects in a single color (sky, sea or  
forest)  
- Under mercury lamps and certain types  
of fluorescent lights  
FUNC.  
19)  
(
FUNC.  
[
IMAGE EFFECT OFF]  
Desired option  
FUNC.  
40 • Video  
Setting  
Digital Effects  
FUNC.  
(
19)  
(
18)  
FUNC.  
[
D.EFFECT OFF]  
Desired option*  
FUNC. **  
POINTS TO CHECK  
Mode switch:  
: [  
BLK&WHT],[  
only.  
SEPIA]  
* You can preview the effect on the screen.  
** The icon of the selected effect appears.  

Options  
Default value  
Applying  

[
D.EFFECT OFF]  
Select this setting when you do not intend to  
use the digital effects.  
[
FADE-T] (fade trigger), [  
WIPE]  
NEXT  
Select one of the faders to begin or end a scene  
with a fade from or to a black screen.  
1 If the joystick guide does not  
appear on screen, press  
display it.  
to  
[
BLK&WHT]  
Records images in black and white.  
SEPIA]  
If  
guide, repeatedly push the joystick  
) toward [NEXT] to display it.  
does not appear on the joystick  
(
[
2 Push the joystick ( ) toward  
.
• The icon of the selected effect  
turns green.  
• Push the joystick ( ) toward  
Records images in sepia tones for an “old”  
look.  
[
ART], [  
MOSAIC]  
again to deactivate the fader/effect.  
TO FADE IN  
Push the joystick ( ) toward  
Select one of these digital effects to add  
“flavor” to your recordings.  
in  
NOTES  
record pause mode (  
), then press  
to start recording with a fade  
Start/Stop  
in.  
• 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.  
TO FADE OUT  
• The camcorder retains the last setting  
used even if you turn off the digital  
effects or change the recording program.  
Push the joystick ( ) toward  
while  
to  
recording ( ), then press  
Start/Stop  
fade out and pause the recording.  
Video • 41  
Managing Scenes and the Disc  
TO ACTIVATE AN EFFECT  
: Push the joystick (  
Managing Scenes and the  
Disc  
)
toward  
pause mode.  
: Push the joystick (  
while recording or in record  
Creating a Playlist  
)
toward  
and then press  
to  
Start/Stop  
record the still image.  
Create a playlist to easily edit your  
movies. Include in your playlist only the  
scenes you prefer or change the order in  
which they will be played back, without  
affecting your original recordings. After  
you add scenes to the playlist, you can  
switch between the original scenes and  
the playlist.  
Adding Scenes to the Playlist  
You can choose to add to the playlist all  
the original scenes at once or only the  
selected scene.  
(
18)  
POINTS TO CHECK  
Disc type: DVD-RW • VR mode  
From the original index screen, select  
) the scene to add to the  
(
,
playlist. To add all scenes, there is no  
need to select any particular scene.  
FUNC.  
(
19)  
FUNC.  
[
ADD TO PLAYLIST]  
Desired option [YES]  
To delete scenes from the playlist, refer  
to Deleting Scenes ( 33).  
42 • Video  
Switching Between Original and Playlist  
Scenes  
FUNC.  
19)  
(
FUNC.  
(
18)  
[
MOVE]  
Move (  
,
)
the orange marker to the scene’s  
POINTS TO CHECK  
new position*  
[YES]  
Press  
Disc type:  
DVD-RW • VR mode  
* The original position of the scene and the  
current position of the marker are displayed  
at the bottom of the screen.  
FUNC.  
(
19)  
FUNC.  
[
TO PLAYLIST]*  
Dividing Scenes  
* Appears in the original index screen. In the  
playlist, [  
instead.  
TO ORIGINAL] appears  
You can divide scenes in order to leave  
only the best parts and later cut out the  
rest. Remember that when you divide  
scenes in the playlist, you do not affect  
your original recordings.  
Original index screen (original recordings)  
ORIGINAL  
(
18)  
POINTS TO CHECK  
Disc type: DVD-RW • VR mode  
PLAYLIST  
Playlist index screen  
From the original index screen, switch to  
the playlist ( 43). From the playlist  
Moving Scenes in the Playlist  
index screen, select (  
scene to divide.  
,
) the  
(
18)  
FUNC.  
(
19)  
POINTS TO CHECK  
Disc type: DVD-RW • VR mode  
FUNC.  
[
DIVIDE]  
Playback of the  
scene begins  
to divide the scene*  
Pause at the point  
From the original index screen, switch to  
the playlist ( 43). From the playlist  
FUNC.  
Press  
[YES]  
index screen, select (  
scene to move.  
,
) the  
* You can use the following icons and fast  
playback mode (  
to a precise point.  
32) to bring the scene  
/
: Frame jump forward/backward.  
Video • 43  
Disc Playback on an External Device  
NOTES  
Disc Playback on an  
External Device  
• Very short scenes (shorter than  
2 seconds) cannot be divided.  
• The new scene will be added to the  
playlist after the scene that was divided.  
Changing the Disc Title  
Before you finalize your disc, you can  
give it a title1. The disc title will be  
displayed on the index screen when  
playing the finalized disc in most DVD  
players. You can check the disc’s title  
with the [DISC INFO] menu option  
Initializing the Disc  
You need to initialize all new DVD-RW  
discs when you first insert them into the  
camcorder and you may have to  
initialize them if you get the message  
“UNABLE TO RECOGNIZE THE DATA”.  
You can also initialize a DVD-RW disc  
when you want to completely erase the  
disc to reuse it or in order to change the  
disc specification.  
(
63).  
1
You can change the title of DVD-RW discs  
recorded in VR mode also after having  
finalized them.  
(
18)  
(
18)  
FUNC.  
(
20)  
POINTS TO CHECK  
Disc type: DVD-RW  
FUNC.  
[
[
MENU]2  
DISC OPERATIONS]  
FUNC.  
20)  
(
[DISC TITLE]  
Enter the title (up to 20  
FUNC.  
characters)3  
[
[
MENU]  
DISC OPERATIONS]  
[SET]  
[YES]  
FUNC.  
[INITIALIZE DISC]  
Select a disc specification*  
[YES]  
2
Only when using a DVD-RW recorded in VR  
FUNC.  
mode. Otherwise, pressing  
will open  
the menu directly on the setup menus  
screen.  
Select one character at a time and press  
to add it to the title. Select  
FUNC. **  
* For details about disc specifications, refer to  
Disc specification on DVD-RWs. ( 3)  
**Close the menu only after the screen display  
3
[BACKSPACE] and press  
to delete the  
character to the left of the cursor’s position.  
returns to the [  
menu.  
DISC OPERATIONS]  
IMPORTANT  
Initializing the disc will permanently erase  
all recordings. The lost original recordings  
cannot be recovered.  
44 • Video  
IMPORTANT  
Finalizing the Disc  
Be sure to finalize the disc in normal  
room temperatures. If the procedure  
was not completed correctly due to  
high temperature, let the camcorder  
cool off before resuming operation.  
Place the camcorder on a table or  
other stable surface before starting  
the procedure. Subjecting the  
To play the disc you recorded on a DVD  
player, a computer’s DVD drive or other  
digital device, you need to finalize it  
first. You do not need to finalize the disc  
to play back your recordings with the  
camcorder connected to the TV.  
camcorder even to slight impacts (for  
example to place it on a table or to  
disconnect a cable) after the  
(
18)  
finalization process started may result  
in permanent data loss.  
• Do not disconnect the power source  
while the operation is in progress. Doing  
so can interrupt the process and result in  
permanent data loss.  
POINTS TO CHECK  
Power the camcorder using the  
compact power adapter or a fully  
charged battery pack.  
FUNC.  
• Depending on the type of disc and the  
disc specification, after finalizing the disc  
you may not be able to initialize the disc,  
edit your recordings or add new  
(
20)  
FUNC.  
[
[
MENU]*  
DISC OPERATIONS]  
recordings to the disc.  
• Do not use this camcorder to finalize  
discs that were not recorded using it.  
[FINALIZE]  
[YES]**  
Press  
screen appears  
when the confirmation  
NOTES  
FUNC.  
• The time required to finalize the disc  
depends on the scenes recorded and the  
remaining free space on the disc.  
* Only when using a DVD-RW recorded in VR  
mode. Otherwise, pressing  
the menu directly on the setup menus  
screen.  
**During the disc finalization a progress bar is  
displayed.  
FUNC.  
will open  
• After the disc is finalized,  
on the playback screen.  
will appear  
Video • 45  
NOTES  
Disc Playback on External Devices  
• DVD-RW discs recorded in VR mode can  
be played only on VR mode-compatible  
DVD players.  
• Depending on your DVD device you may  
not be able to play the disc.  
• In order to play the disc on a computer  
you need to have DVD playback  
software installed and running. Also, in  
order to play back a DVD-R DL you must  
have a DVD drive capable of reading  
dual-layered DVD discs.  
After finalizing the disc with your  
recordings, you can play it on DVD  
players compatible with the type of disc  
used (DVD-R, DVD-R DL or DVD-RW).  
You cannot play back discs on an  
external DVD device if the discs have  
not yet been finalized.  
For a summary, you can refer to the  
sidebar on page 46. For details about  
disc compatibility refer to the instruction  
manual of the DVD player or DVD drive.  
Unfinalizing the Disc - Additional  
Recordings on a Finalized Disc  
ON A DVD PLAYER  
1 Turn on the TV and DVD player.  
Unfinalize a disc to allow recording  
additional movies on the disc even after  
it was finalized.  
2 Insert the finalized disc in the DVD  
player.  
3 Select the scene you want to play  
from the index screen.  
(
18)  
POINTS TO CHECK  
Disc type: DVD-RW •  
ON A cOMPUTERS DVD DRIVE  
VIDEO mode • Finalized  
Power the camcorder using the  
compact power adapter or a fully  
charged battery pack.  
1 Insert the finalized disc in the DVD  
drive.  
2 Run the DVD playback software.  
Refer also to the instruction manual  
and help modules of your DVD  
playback software.  
Restrictions after disc finalization  
Additional  
recordings  
Editing  
recordings  
Initializing  
the disc  
Unfinalizing  
the disc  
DVD-R/DVD-R DL  
in VIDEO mode  
1
DVD-RW in VIDEO mode  
2
DVD-RW in VR mode  
1
You will need to unfinalize the disc first.  
Only scenes in the playlist can be divided.  
2
46 • Video  
FUNC.  
20)  
(
FUNC.  
[
DISC OPERATIONS]  
[UNFINALIZE]  
[YES]*  
Press  
when the confirmation  
screen appears  
FUNC.  
* During the disc unfinalization a progress bar  
is displayed.  
IMPORTANT  
• Be sure to unfinalize the disc in  
normal room temperatures. If the  
procedure was not completed  
correctly due to high temperature, let  
the camcorder cool off before  
resuming operation.  
• Place the camcorder on a table or  
other stable surface before starting  
the procedure. Subjecting the  
camcorder even to slight impacts (for  
example to place it on a table or to  
disconnect a cable) after the  
unfinalization process started may  
result in permanent data loss.  
• Do not disconnect the power source  
while the operation is in progress. Doing  
so can interrupt the process and result in  
permanent data loss.  
• Only discs that were finalized using this  
camcorder can be unfinalized with it.  
Discs that can be unfinalized  
DVD-R/DVD-R DL  
in VIDEO mode  
DVD-RW  
in VIDEO mode  
DVD-RW  
in VR mode  
You can record additional  
scenes even without  
unfinalizing the disc  
Video • 47  
Photos  
Refer to this chapter for details on shooting photos – from capturing  
and playing back images to printing them.  
Basic Recording  
3 Move the lens cover switch down  
Basic Recording  
to  
to open the lens cover.  
Start/Stop  
4 Press  
.
• Once the focus is automatically  
adjusted,  
will turn green and one  
Taking Photos  
or more AF frames will appear.  
• The CARD access indicator will  
flash as the still image is being  
recorded.  
Before using a memory card for the  
first time, be sure to initialize it with  
this camcorder (  
IMPORTANT  
56).  
Observe the following precautions while  
the card access display (  
) appears on  
(
18)  
screen, and when the CARD access  
indicator is on or flashing. Failing to do so  
may result in permanent data loss.  
- Do not subject the camcorder to  
vibrations or strong impacts.  
- Do not open the memory card slot cover  
and do not remove the memory card.  
- Do not disconnect the power source or  
turn off the camcorder.  
- Do not change the position of the  
switch or the operating mode.  
/
NOTES  
If the subject is not suitable for autofocus,  
turns yellow. Adjust the focus manually  
(
38).  
1 Move the  
images).  
/
switch to  
(still  
2 Turn the  
switch to ON to set  
the camcorder in CAMERA mode.  
The red CAMERA indicator will turn  
on.  
48 • Photos  
Selecting Photo Size and Quality  
FUNC.  
19)  
(
Still images are recorded on the memory  
card using JPEG compression. As a  
general rule select a larger image size  
FUNC.  
[
[
(
L
L
1152x864] (  
1024x768]  
only)  
for higher quality.  
Select the  
[LW 1152x648] size for photos with an  
aspect ratio of 16:9.  
only)  
Desired image size*  
Desired image quality*  
FUNC.  
(
18)  
* Press  
to move back and forth between  
Options  
size and quality selection. The number  
displayed on the right corner indicates the  
approximate number of images that can be  
recorded with the current quality/size  
setting.  
Image size options and the approximate  
number of still images that can be  
recorded on memory cards of various  
sizes are given in the table below.  
NOTES  
When printing still images, use the  
following guidelines as a reference for  
selecting the print size.  
Approximate number of still images on a memory card  

Default value  
Memory card  
Image quality1  
Image size ↓  
LW 1152x648  
128 MB  
512 MB  
1 GB  



245  
360  
695  
970 1,435 2,745 1,945  
2,875  
5,490  
(
only)  
L 1152x864  
185  
235  
280  
345  
545  
695  
735 1,115 2,155 1,470  
940 1,370 2,745 1,885  
2,235  
2,745  
4,315  
5,490  

(
only)  
L 1024x768  
(

only)  
S 640x480  
585  
850 1,530 2,320 3,355 6,040 4,645  
6,715 12,0852  
1
2
: [SUPER FINE],  
: [FINE],  
: [NORMAL]  
This is the number of images that can be recorded. However, the maximum number of remaining  
still images displayed on the screen will be 9999.  
Photos • 49  
Basic Playback  
Image size  
Recommended use  
Basic Playback  
LW 1152x648  
To print photos with a 16:9  
aspect ratio. Wide-sized  
photo paper is required.  
Viewing Photos  
L 1152x864  
To print photos up to L size  
(9 x 13 cm) or postcard size  
(10 x 14.8 cm).  
S 640x480  
To send images as e-mail  
attachments or to post on  
the Web.  
(
18)  
Erasing the Last Photo Just Recorded  
You can erase the still image recorded  
last while reviewing it within the time set  
for the [REVIEW] option (or immediately  
after recording it, if [REVIEW] is set to  
[
OFF]).  
(
18)  
1 Move the  
images).  
/
switch to  
(still  
2 Turn the  
switch to ON, then  
turn it toward MODE and release it  
to set the camcorder in PLAY  
mode.  
The green PLAY indicator will turn on.  
While reviewing the image immediately  
after recording:  
3 Use the joystick (  
between images.  
) to move  
1 Push the joystick ( ) toward  
.
Image Jump Function  
2 Select (  
) [ERASE] and press  
.
You can locate a specific image without  
having to browse all of them one by one.  
50 • Photos  
- Do not disconnect the power source or  
turn off the camcorder.  
TO RUN THROUGH THE STILL IMAGES  
- Do not change the position of the  
/
switch or the operating mode.  
• The following may not be displayed  
correctly.  
- Images not recorded with this  
camcorder.  
- Images edited on a computer.  
- Images whose file names have been  
changed.  
Push the joystick (  
pressed down to run quickly through  
the still images.  
) and hold it  
Slideshow  
TO SKIP 10 OR 100 STILL IMAGES  
FUNC.  
(
19)  
FUNC.  
[
SLIDESHOW]  
[START]  
• Images are played back one after  
another.  
1 If the joystick guide does not  
FUNC.  
• Press  
to stop the slideshow.  
appear on screen, press  
display it.  
2 Push the joystick ( ) toward  
to  
Index Screen  
.
1 Move the zoom lever toward W.  
The still images index screen  
appears.  
2 Select (  
• Move the green selection frame to  
the image you want to view.  
• If you have a lot of still images, you  
may find it easier to browse entire  
index pages instead. Move the  
zoom lever toward W to extend the  
green selection frame to the whole  
,
) an image.  
3 Select (  
or [  
) [  
JUMP 10 IMAGES]  
JUMP 100 IMAGES].  
4 Jump (  
selected and press  
You can press  
joystick guide.  
) the number of images  
.
again to hide the  
IMPORTANT  
page, and move (  
) between  
index pages. Move the zoom lever  
toward T to return to moving  
between single images.  
• Observe the following precautions while  
the card access display ( ) appears  
on screen, and when the CARD access  
indicator is on or flashing. Failing to do  
so may result in permanent data loss.  
- Do not subject the camcorder to  
vibrations or strong impacts.  
3 Press  
.
The index screen closes and the  
selected image is displayed.  
- Do not open the memory card slot  
cover and do not remove the memory  
card.  
Photos • 51  
Erasing a Single Image  
Magnifying Photos during Playback  
(
18)  
During playback, still images can be  
magnified up to 5 times.  
(
18)  
1 If the joystick guide does not  
appear on screen, press  
display it.  
to  
2 Select (  
erase.  
) the image you want to  
1 Move the zoom lever toward T.  
3 Push the joystick ( ) toward  
.
• The image is magnified by 2 times  
and a frame appears indicating the  
position of the magnified area.  
To further enlarge the image, move  
the zoom lever toward T. To reduce  
the magnification to less than 2  
times, move the zoom lever toward  
W.  
4 Select (  
) [ERASE] and press  
.
Erasing All Images  
(
18)  
will appear for images that  
cannot be enlarged.  
FUNC.  
(
20)  
2 Move (  
,
) the frame to the  
part of the image you want to see  
enlarged.  
FUNC.  
[
[
MENU]  
STILL IMG OPER.]  
To cancel the magnification, move  
the zoom lever toward W until the  
frame disappears.  
[ERASE ALL IMAGES]  
[YES]  
FUNC.  
Erasing Photos  
IMPORTANT  
Be careful when erasing images. Erased  
images cannot be recovered.  
You can erase still images recorded on  
the memory card. You can erase either a  
single still image or all the still images.  
NOTES  
Protected images on the memory card  
cannot be erased.  
52 • Photos  
Additional Functions  

Options  
SINGLE]  
Default value  
Additional Functions  

[
Records a single still image.  
[
[
CONT.SHOOT.] (Continuous Shooting),  
HISPEED CONT.SHOOT. ]  
Continuous Shooting and  
Exposure Bracketing (Drive Mode)  
(High-Speed Continuous Shooting)  
Captures a series of still images as long as you  
hold Start/Stop pressed down. For the number  
of frames per second, refer to the sidebar on  
page 53.  
Take a series of pictures of a moving  
subject or record the same picture in  
3 levels of exposure in order to choose  
later the picture you like the best.  
[
AEB] (Auto Exposure Bracketing)  
(
18)  
The camcorder records a still image in three  
different exposures (dark, normal, light in 1/2  
EV steps), allowing you to choose the shot you  
like the best.  
POINTS TO CHECK  
Mode switch: (except for the  
[
FIREWORKS] recording program).  
FUNC.  
19)  
(
FUNC.  
[
SINGLE]  
Desired option  
FUNC.  
Maximum number of continuous shots  
Number of frames (shots) per second  
Maximum number of continuous shots  
Normal speed  
High speed  
2.5 frames  
4.2 frames  
LW 1152x648, L 1152x864  
20 images  
60 images  
S 640x480  
These figures are approximate and vary with the recording conditions and subjects.  
The actual number of frames per second will be lower when  
is displayed on the screen.  
(camcorder shake warning)  
Photos • 53  

Options  
CONTINUOUS SHOOTING/  
HIGH-SPEED CONTINUOUS SHOOTING  
Default value  

[
ON:AiAF]  
(Mode switch: *,  
)
Start/Stop  
Press  
down.  
and hold it pressed  
Depending on the shooting conditions, one or  
more AF frames out of the nine frames  
available are automatically selected and the  
focus is fixed on them.  
Once the focus is automatically  
adjusted,  
will turn green. A series of  
still images will be recorded as long as  
you hold the button pressed.  
[
ON:CENTER]  
(Mode switch: *)  
AUTO EXPOSURE BRACKETING  
In this mode, a single focusing frame appears  
in the center of the screen and the focus is  
automatically fixed on it. This is convenient for  
making sure the focus is exactly where you  
want it.  
Start/Stop  
Press  
.
Once the focus is automatically  
adjusted,  
will turn green. Three still  
images in different exposures will be  
recorded on the memory card.  
[
OFF]  
Select this option if you wish to record a still  
Start/Stop  
image as soon as you press  
.
Automatic Focus Priority  
* Except for the [ FIREWORKS] recording  
program.  
When the focus priority is activated, the  
camcorder records a still image only  
after the focus has been adjusted  
automatically.  
FUNC.  
(
20)  
FUNC.  
[
[
MENU]  
CAMERA SETUP]  
(
18)  
POINTS TO CHECK  
Mode switch at  
cannot be turned off.  
[FOCUS PRI.]  
Desired option  
: The focus priority  
FUNC.  
Mode switch at : You can turn off the  
focus priority and you can also select  
the AF (autofocus) frame to be used.  
NOTES  
In the [ FIREWORKS] recording program  
the focus priority is automatically set to  
[
OFF].  
54 • Photos  
• All displays off  
However, the markers and the  
Histogram and Other Screen Displays  
1
icon and  
AF frames when the autofocus is locked will  
still appear on the screen.  
When viewing still images you can  
display the histogram and the icons of  
all the functions used at the time of  
recording. Use the histogram as a  
reference to verify the correct exposure  
of the still image.  
The area to the right of the histogram  
represents highlights and the left side  
represents shadows. A still image  
whose histogram skews to the right is  
relatively bright; while one whose  
histogram peaks to the left, is relatively  
dark.  
Protecting Photos  
You can protect still images recorded on  
the memory card from accidental  
erasure.  
(
18)  
FUNC.  
(
19)  
FUNC.  
[
PROTECT]  
Press  
[
PROTECT]: The image selection  
Shadows  
Highlights  
screen appears.  
NOTES  
FROM THE IMAGE SELECTION SCREEN  
The histogram will appear also after  
recording a still image, while reviewing it  
within the time set for the [REVIEW] option  
(or immediately after recording it, if  
1 Select (  
want to protect.  
) the still image you  
2 Press  
to protect the still image.  
appears on the bottom bar and  
the image cannot be erased. Press  
again to cancel the image  
protection.  
[REVIEW] is set to [  
OFF]). You can  
choose to turn off the histogram by  
DISP.  
pressing  
.
3 Repeat steps 1-2 to protect  
additional images or press FUNC.  
twice to close the menu.  
TO SELECT THE ON-SCREEN DISPLAYS  
DISP.  
Repeatedly press  
to turn the on-  
screen displays on and off in the  
following sequence.  
IMPORTANT  
Initializing the memory card (  
permanently erase all recorded still images,  
even the protected ones.  
56) will  
• All displays on  
• All displays off1  
• All displays on  
• Regular displays only (removes the  
histogram and information icons)  
Photos • 55  
You can also use the following  
functions...  
Initializing the Memory Card  
The following functions and features  
of the camcorder can be used either  
for shooting video or for taking  
photos. The way to set and use  
them was already explained in  
detail, so we refer you to the relevant  
page in the “Video” section.  
Initialize memory cards when you use  
them with this camcorder for the first  
time, or to erase all the still images on  
them.  
Options  
[INITIALIZE]  
• Quick Start (  
• Zoom ( 28)  
• Special Scene recording programs  
34)  
• Flexible recording programs (  
• LCD video light ( 37)  
29)  
Clears the file allocation table but does not  
physically erase the stored data.  
(
[COMPL.INIT.]  
36)  
Erases all data completely.  
• Self timer (  
37)  
• Manual focus (  
38)  
• Manual exposure adjustment (  
39)  
(
18)  
• White balance (  
• Image effects (  
• Digital effects (  
39)  
40)  
41)  
FUNC.  
20)  
(
FUNC.  
[
[
MENU]  
STILL IMG OPER.]  
[INITIALIZE CARD]  
Select the card initialization  
method  
[YES]*  
FUNC.  
* Press  
to cancel the complete  
initialization while it is in progress. All the  
image files will be erased and the memory  
card can be used without any problem.  
IMPORTANT  
Initializing the memory card will erase all  
still images, even the protected ones. The  
original still images cannot be recovered.  
56 • Photos  
Printing Photos  
Printing Photos  
FUNC.  
19)  
(
FUNC.  
[
PRINT ORDER]  
Press  
Printing Photos  
: The image selection screen  
appears.  
You can print images on the  
camcorder’s memory card by inserting it  
into the memory card slot of a printer  
compatible with DPOF (Digital Print  
Order Format). You can mark in advance  
the still images you want to print and set  
the desired number of copies as a print  
order ( 57).  
FROM THE IMAGE SELECTION SCREEN  
1 Select (  
) the still image you  
want to mark with a print order.  
2 Press  
to set the print order.  
The number of copies appears in  
orange in the box next to the print  
order symbol  
3 Set ( ) the number of copies  
desired and press  
To cancel the print order, set (  
number of copies to 0.  
.
NOTES  
.
• For more information, refer to the  
printer’s instruction manual.  
About DPOF: DPOF is a specification that  
allows you to specify the still images and  
information to be printed.  
) the  
4 Repeat steps 1-3 to mark  
additional images with print orders  
FUNC.  
or press  
menu.  
twice to close the  
Print Orders  
Erasing All Print Orders  
You can mark in advance the still images  
you want to print and set the desired  
number of copies as a print order. Later,  
you can easily print out the print orders  
by inserting the camcorder's memory  
card into a DPOF-compatible printer  
that has a memory card slot. Refer to  
the printer's instruction manual for the  
procedure. You can set print orders for  
up to 998 still images.  
(
18)  
FUNC.  
(
20)  
FUNC.  
[
[
MENU]  
STILL IMG OPER.]  
[ERASE ALL  
[YES]  
ORD]  
Selecting Still Images for Printing  
(Print Order)  
FUNC.  
(
18)  
Photos • 57  
External Connections  
This chapter explains step-by-step how to connect your camcorder to  
an external device such as a TV or VCR.  
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.  
Open the LCD panel to  
access.  
Connection Diagrams  
Turn off all the devices when making the connection and refer also to the instruction  
manual of the connected device.  
Terminal on the  
camcorder  
Terminal on the  
connected device  
Connecting cable  
1
2
Output connection (signal flow ) to a TV or VCR with AV terminals.  
VIDEO  
AUDIO  
Yellow  
White  
Red  
L
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable  
(supplied)  
R
Output connection (signal flow ) to a TV or VCR with SCART terminal.  
First, connect a SCART adapter to the SCART terminal on the TV or VCR and then connect the STV-250N  
Stereo Video Cable to the adapter.  
Red  
White  
Yellow  
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable  
(supplied)  
SCART adapter  
(commercially available)  
58 • External Connections  
• Refer also to the instruction manual of  
the connected TV.  
Playback on a TV Screen  
This section explains how to play back  
the disc or still images with this  
camcorder by connecting it to a TV. To  
play back the disc with another DVD  
device refer to Disc Playback on an  
Copying your Recordings to an External  
Video Recorder  
You can copy your recordings by  
connecting the camcorder to a VCR or a  
digital video device.  
External Device (  
44).  
(
18)  
(
18)  
POINTS TO CHECK  
Connecting  
Before connecting the camcorder, select  
the [TV TYPE] setting according to the TV  
set to which you will connect the  
Connect the camcorder to the device  
following one of the connection  
diagrams shown in the previous section  
camcorder (  
65).  
Connection Diagrams (  
58).  
Connecting  
Recording  
Connect the camcorder to the TV  
following one of the connection  
1 Connected device: Load a blank  
cassette or disc and set the device  
to record pause mode.  
diagrams shown in the previous section  
Connection Diagrams (  
58).  
2 This camcorder: Locate the scene  
you wish to copy and pause  
playback shortly before the scene.  
Playback  
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).  
3 This camcorder: Resume the  
movie playback.  
4 Connected device: Begin recording  
when the scene you wish to copy  
appears. Stop recording when  
copying is complete.  
5 This camcorder: Stop playback.  
2 Start the playback of the movies  
(
31) or still images (  
50).  
NOTES  
NOTES  
• We recommend powering the camcorder  
using the compact power adapter.  
• By default, the on-screen displays will be  
embedded in the output video signal, but  
Turn off all the devices before starting  
the connections.  
• Sound from the built-in speaker will be  
muted while the STV-250N Stereo Video  
Cable is connected to the camcorder.  
• We recommend powering the camcorder  
using the compact power adapter.  
you can change the displays by  
DISP.  
repeatedly pressing  
(
33).  
External Connections • 59  
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 (  
19). For details about each function, see the reference  
page. Menu options without a reference page are explained below the tables.  
FUNC. Menu  
Setup menus  
FUNC. Menu  
CAMERA  
PLAY  
Menu item  
Setting options  
PROGRAM AE],  
SHUTTER-PRIO.AE], [ PORTRAIT],  
SPORTS], [ NIGHT], [ SNOW],  
BEACH], [ SUNSET],  
1
Recording programs  
[
[
[
[
[
z
z
34  
SPOTLIGHT], [ FIREWORKS]  
1
White balance  
[
[
AUTO], [ DAYLIGHT],  
TUNGSTEN], [ SET]  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
39  
40  
37  
41  
1
Image effects  
[
[
IMAGE EFFECT OFF], [  
NEUTRAL], [ SOFT SKIN DETAIL]  
VIVID],  
LCD video light  
[
[
LCD LIGHT OFF],  
LCD LIGHT ON]  
1
Digital effects  
[
[
[
D.EFFECT OFF], [  
FADE-T],  
WIPE], [  
SEPIA], [  
BLK&WHT],  
ART], [  
MOSAIC]  
[
[
D.EFFECT OFF], [  
SEPIA]  
BLK&WHT],  
z
z
Recording mode  
[
[
HIGH QUALITY],  
STANDARD PLAY], [  
28  
53  
LONG PLAY]  
1
Drive mode  
[
[
SINGLE], [  
CONT.SHOOT.],  
z
HISPEED CONT.SHOOT], [  
AEB]  
60 • Additional Information  
FUNC. Menu (cont.)  
CAMERA  
PLAY  
Menu item  
Setting options  
Still image size/quality  
Size:  
z
49  
[LW 1152x648], [L 1152x864],  
[S 640x480]  
[L 1024x768], [S 640x480]  
Quality: [ SUPER FINE], [ FINE],  
[
NORMAL]  
2
[
[
[
[
[
[
TO PLAYLIST]  
TO ORIGINAL]  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
43  
43  
42  
43  
43  
33  
32  
51  
55  
57  
3
2
ADD TO PLAYLIST] [ALL SCENES], [ONE SCENE], [CANCEL]  
3
MOVE]  
3
DIVIDE]  
4
DELETE]  
[NO], [YES]  
5
[SPEAKER VOL.]  
[SLIDESHOW]  
[PROTECT]  
z
z
z
[PRINT ORDER]  
[
0] - [ 99] COPIES  
1
2
3
4
5
Option available only when the mode switch is set to  
.
Option available only in the original index screen with DVD-RW discs in VR mode.  
Option available only in the playlist index screen with DVD-RW discs in VR mode.  
Option available only in the index screen with DVD-RW discs in VR mode.  
Option available only during playback.  
Additional Information • 61  
Camera Setup (Advanced Zoom, Image Stabilizer, etc.)  
CAMERA SETUP  
CAMERA  
Menu item  
Setting options  
OFF]  
1
[A.SL SHUTTER]  
[
ON], [  
z
z
z
[ZOOM TYPE]  
28  
3
[
[
[
OPTICAL], [  
OPTICAL], [  
OPTICAL], [  
ADVANCED] , [  
DIGITAL]  
DIGITAL]  
DIGITAL]  
4
ADVANCED] , [  
4
ADVANCED] , [  
[ZOOM SPEED]  
[
VARIABLE], [  
SPEED 3], [  
SPEED 2],  
z
z
29  
[
SPEED 1]  
2
[FOCUS PRI.]  
[
ON:AiAF], [  
ON:CENTER], [  
OFF]  
z
z
54  
[REVIEW]  
[
[
OFF], [  
8 sec], [  
2 sec], [  
10 sec]  
OFF]  
4 sec], [ 6 sec],  
2
[IMG STAB]  
[
[
[
ON  
], [  
z
z
z
z
[WIDESCREEN]  
[SELF TIMER]  
ON], [  
OFF]  
OFF]  
OFF  
ON ], [  
AUTO], [  
z
37  
2
[WIND SCREEN]  
[
]
1
Option available only when the recording program is set to  
PROGRAM AE] recording program).  
Option available only when the mode switch is set to  
ADVANCED] when [WIDESCREEN] is set to [  
Not available when [WIDESCREEN] is set to [ OFF].  
or  
(only in the  
[
2
3
4
.
[
OFF].  
[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 1/25 (1/12 in  
• If a trailing afterimage appears, set the slow shutter to [  
mode).  
OFF].  
• If  
(camcorder shake warning) appears, we recommend stabilizing the camcorder, for  
example, by mounting it on a tripod.  
[REVIEW]: Selects the time to display a still image after it has been recorded.  
This menu item will not be available when the drive mode (  
53) is set to  
[
CONT.SHOOT.], [  
HISPEED CONT.SHOOT.] or [  
AEB].  
DISP.  
• If you press  
while reviewing a still image it will continue to be displayed  
Start/Stop  
indefinitely. Press  
to return to the normal display.  
[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.  
62 • Additional Information  
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.  
.
[WIDESCREEN]: The camcorder uses the full width of the image sensor providing high-  
resolution 16:9 recordings.  
• Since the screens on the camcorder have an aspect ratio of 16:9, recordings with a 4:3  
aspect ratio will appear in the center of the screen with black sidebars.  
Playing back a widescreen recording: TV sets compatible with the WSS system will  
automatically switch to wide (16:9) mode. Otherwise, change the aspect ratio of the TV  
manually. To play back on a TV with normal aspect ratio (4:3) change the [TV TYPE]  
setting accordingly (  
65).  
[WIND SCREEN]: The camcorder automatically reduces the background sound of wind  
when recording outdoors.  
• The wind screen cannot be turned off when the mode switch is set to  
.
• Some low-frequency sounds will be suppressed along with the sound of wind. When  
recording in surroundings unaffected by wind or if you want to record low-frequency  
sounds, we recommend setting the wind screen to [  
OFF  
].  
Disc Operations (Initialization, Finalization etc.)  
DISC OPERATIONS  
CAMERA  
PLAY  
Menu item  
[DISC INFO]  
Setting options  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
1
[INITIALIZE DISC]  
[VIDEO], [VR], [CANCEL]  
[NO], [YES]  
[NO], [YES]  
[NO], [YES]  
[NO], [YES]  
44  
45  
46  
33  
33  
44  
[FINALIZE]  
2
[UNFINALIZE]  
3
[DEL.ALL MOVIES]  
4
[DEL.PLAYLIST]  
[DISC TITLE]  
1
2
3
4
Option available only with DVD-RW discs.  
Option available only with finalized DVD-RW discs in VIDEO mode.  
Option available only in the original index screen with DVD-RW discs in VR mode.  
Option available only in the playlist index screen with DVD-RW discs in VR mode.  
[DISC INFO]: Displays a screen where you can verify the details regarding the disc.  
• The disc information includes the disc title, the disc type (DVD-R, DVD-R DL or DVD-  
RW), the disc specification (VIDEO mode or VR mode), and an icon to indicate whether  
the disc is finalized ( ).  
Additional Information • 63  
Still Image Operations (Card Initialization, etc.)  
STILL IMG OPER.  
Menu item  
[ERASE ALL ORD]  
PLAY  
Setting options  
[NO], [YES]  
[NO], [YES]  
z
z
z
57  
52  
56  
[ERASE ALL IMAGES]  
[INITIALIZE CARD]  
[INITIALIZE], [COMPL.INIT.], [CANCEL]  
Display Setup (LCD Brightness, Language, etc.)  
DISPLAY SETUP  
CAMERA  
PLAY  
Menu item  
Setting options  
[BRIGHTNESS]  
[TV SCREEN]  
[MARKERS]  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
[
ON], [  
OFF]  
LEVEL(WHT)],  
[
[
[
OFF], [  
LEVEL(GRY)], [  
GRID(GRY)]  
GRID(WHT)],  
[DATA CODE]  
[LANGUAGE]  
[
[
DATE], [ TIME],  
DATE & TIME], [ CAMERA DATA]  
z
z
33  
21  
[
], [DEUTSCH], [ ],  
z
z
z
[ENGLISH], [ESPAÑOL], [FRANÇAIS],  
[ITALIANO], [MAGYAR], [MELAYU],  
[POLSKI], [ ROMANA ], [TÜRKÇE],  
[
[
[
], [  
],  
],  
], [  
], [  
ON], [  
], [  
], [  
OFF]  
], [  
]
[DEMO MODE]  
[
z
z
[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.  
[MARKERS]: You can display a grid or a horizontal line at the center of the screen. The  
markers are available in white or gray. 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.  
[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  
load a disc.  
64 • Additional Information  
System Setup (Volume, Beep, etc.)  
SYSTEM SETUP  
CAMERA  
PLAY  
Menu item  
Setting options  
[SPEAKER VOL.]  
[BEEP]  
z
z
[
[
HIGH VOLUME],  
LOW VOLUME], [  
ON], [ OFF]  
10 min], [  
z
z
z
OFF]  
[POWER SAVE]  
[
z
z
z
z
z
z
[
STANDBY OFF]  
[
20 min],  
[
30 min]  
[FILE NOS.]  
[TV TYPE]  
[
RESET], [  
CONTINUOUS]  
z
z
z
z
[
NORMAL TV], [  
WIDE TV]  
z
z
[FIRMWARE]  
[SPEAKER VOL.]: Adjust (  
) the volume of the playback.  
[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.  
[
STANDBY OFF]: Select the length of time after which the camcorder will end the  
standby mode and shut off automatically.  
[FILE NOS.]: Select the image numbering method to be used when you insert a new  
memory card.  
Images are automatically assigned consecutive image numbers from 0101 to 9900, and  
stored in folders containing up to 100 images. Folders are numbered from 101 to 998.  
[
RESET]: Image numbers will restart from 101-0101 every time you insert a new  
memory card.  
[
CONTINUOUS]: Image numbers will continue from the number following that of the  
last image recorded with the camcorder.  
• If the memory card you insert already contains an image with a larger number, a new  
image will be assigned a number one higher than that of the last image on the memory  
card.  
• We recommend using the [  
CONTINUOUS] setting.  
[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.  
[FIRMWARE]: You can verify the current version of the camcorder’s firmware. This menu  
option is usually grayed out.  
Additional Information • 65  
Date/Time Setup  
DATE/TIME SETUP  
Menu item  
[T.ZONE/DST]  
CAMERA  
PLAY  
Setting options  
List of world time zones.  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
22  
21  
[DATE/TIME]  
[DATE FORMAT]  
[Y.M.D (2008.1.1 AM 12:00)],  
[M.D,Y (JAN. 1, 2008 12:00 AM)],  
[D.M.Y (1.JAN.2008 12:00 AM)]  
[DATE FORMAT]: Changes the date format for on-screen displays.  
66 • Additional Information  
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.  
Camcorder is on but is unresponsive.  
- The camcorder has exceeded its  
Power Source  
operational temperature (  
Turn off the camcorder and let it cool  
down before resuming use.  
appears).  
The camcorder will not turn on or it  
turns off by itself.  
The disc compartment cover will not  
open.  
The LCD/viewfinder switches on and  
off.  
- Battery pack is exhausted. Replace or  
Recording/Playback  
charge the battery pack (  
- Attach the battery pack correctly.  
- Use the compact power adapter.  
16).  
Buttons will not work.  
- Turn on the camcorder.  
- Load a disc (  
23).  
The charge indicator flashes rapidly.  
Abnormal characters appear on the  
screen. The camcorder does not operate  
properly.  
-
(one flash at 0.5-second  
intervals)  
Charging has stopped because the  
compact power adapter or the battery  
pack is faulty. Consult a Canon Service  
Center.  
(two quick flashes at  
1-second intervals)  
- Disconnect the power source and  
reconnect it after a short time. If the  
problem still persists, disconnect the  
power source and press the RESET  
button with a pointed item. Pressing the  
RESET button resets all settings.  
-
Battery pack at least 50% charged  
appears on the screen.  
(
17). This is not a malfunction.  
- Load a disc (  
23).  
Battery pack will not charge.  
The charge indicator flashes very  
slowly (one flash at 2-second intervals).  
appears on the screen.  
- Battery pack is exhausted. Replace or  
charge the battery pack (  
17).  
- Charge the battery pack in  
temperatures between 0 °C and 40 °C.  
- Battery packs become hot with use and  
may not charge. When the battery pack  
is outside the charging temperature  
range, the CHARGE indicator will flash  
irregularly. The charging will start once  
the battery pack temperature is below  
40 °C.  
- The battery pack is damaged. Use a  
different battery pack.  
- If you connect a faulty power adapter or  
battery pack, the CHARGE indicator  
flashes approx. twice per second and  
the charging stops.  
Video noise appears on screen.  
- When using the camcorder close to  
devices that emit strong  
electromagnetic fields (plasma TVs,  
cellular phones, etc.), keep a distance  
between the camcorder and these  
devices.  
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.  
- Check that the compact power adapter  
is correctly connected to the  
camcorder.  
Additional Information • 67  
Even without a disc loaded, when  
closing the disc compartment cover a  
motor sound can be heard.  
- The camcorder is checking if a disc is  
loaded or not. This is not a malfunction.  
- Load a disc that has been tested  
4).  
- The disc is full (“  
the screen). Delete some recordings  
(DVD-RW in VR mode) to free some  
(
END” appears on  
space (  
33) or replace the disc.  
Cannot open the disc cover to remove  
the disc.  
- Turn off the camcorder, disconnect the  
compact power adapter and remove  
the battery pack. Restore the power  
supply and try again.  
- The camcorder has exceeded its  
operational temperature. Turn off the  
camcorder and let it cool down before  
resuming use.  
- Unfinalize (  
46) the disc (DVD-RW in  
- The camcorder has exceeded its  
operational temperature. Turn off the  
camcorder and let it cool down before  
resuming use.  
VIDEO mode).  
Even after stopping recording, the disc  
access indicator does not go off.  
- The scene is being recorded on the  
disc. This is not a malfunction.  
The disc cannot be recognized.  
- The disc is dirty. Clean the disc with a  
Start/Stop  
The point where  
was pressed  
soft lens-cleaning cloth (  
74). If the  
does not match the beginning/end of the  
recording.  
problem persists replace the disc.  
- The disc is not correctly loaded. Check  
- There is a slight interval between  
Start/Stop  
the disc (  
23).  
pressing  
and the actual start  
- Verify that the camcorder supports the  
of the recording on the disc. This is not  
a malfunction.  
type of DVD disc you inserted (  
3).  
The camcorder vibrates.  
- Depending on the condition of the disc,  
The recording suddenly stops shortly  
after starting recording.  
- The disc is dirty. Clean the disc with a  
the camcorder might vibrate  
occasionally. This is not a malfunction.  
soft lens-cleaning cloth (  
74). If the  
problem persists replace the disc.  
- The camcorder has exceeded its  
operational temperature. Turn off the  
camcorder and let it cool down before  
resuming use.  
The disc’s rotation can be faintly heard.  
Occasionally the operation sound can  
be heard.  
- The disc is activated from time to time.  
This is not a malfunction.  
Camcorder will not focus.  
- Autofocus does not work on that  
subject. Focus manually (  
- If you are using the viewfinder, adjust it  
with the dioptric adjustment lever  
After using the camcorder for a long  
time, it becomes hot.  
38).  
lights up in red.  
- This is not a malfunction. Turn the  
camcorder off and let it cool for a while  
before resuming operation.  
(
27).  
- Lens is dirty. Clean the lens with a soft  
lens-cleaning cloth ( 74). Never use  
tissue paper to clean the lens.  
Recording  
Sound is distorted.  
Image will not appear on the screen.  
- Set the camcorder to  
mode (  
- Open the lens cover.  
- When recording near loud sounds (such  
as fireworks or concerts), sound may  
become distorted.  
26).  
A vertical light bar appears on the  
screen.  
- Bright light in a dark scene may cause a  
vertical light bar (smear) to appear. This  
is not a malfunction.  
Start/Stop  
Pressing  
recording.  
- Set the camcorder to  
mode (  
will not start  
26).  
68 • Additional Information  
Viewfinder picture is blurred.  
- Adjust the viewfinder with the dioptric  
- You may not be able to edit the title if  
you entered it with another digital  
device.  
adjustment lever (  
27).  
Cannot edit or delete scenes.  
- You cannot edit or delete scenes on a  
disc that was protected with another  
digital device.  
- Scenes cannot be deleted in a DVD-R/  
DVD-R DL disc or a DVD-RW disc  
recorded in VIDEO mode.  
Playback/Editing  
Playback does not start.  
- Load a disc ( 23).  
- Set the camcorder to  
31).  
mode  
(
Cannot finalize the disc.  
- You may not be able to play with this  
camcorder, discs recorded or edited  
with other DVD recorders or computer  
DVD drives.  
- If using a single-sided disc, check that  
the disc is inserted with the label side  
facing up.  
- The camcorder has exceeded its  
operational temperature. Turn off the  
camcorder and let it cool down before  
resuming use.  
- When using a battery pack, make sure  
it is fully charged.  
- The camcorder has exceeded its  
operational temperature. Turn off the  
camcorder and let it cool down before  
resuming use.  
No sound from the built-in speaker.  
- Open the LCD panel.  
- Speaker volume is turned off. Adjust the  
volume with the [SPEAKER VOL.]  
setting (  
32).  
During playback there is video noise  
and the sound is distorted.  
The disc cannot be read.  
- The disc is dirty. Clean the disc with a  
Playing Back the Disc in an External  
DVD Device  
soft lens-cleaning cloth (  
74).  
- You may not be able to play with this  
camcorder, discs recorded or edited  
with other DVD recorders or computer  
DVD drives.  
There is a brief stop between scenes.  
- Depending on the DVD player, there  
might be a very short stop between  
scenes during playback.  
Cannot add scenes to the playlist.  
- The disc is full (“  
the screen). Delete some recordings to  
free some space ( 33).  
- You cannot add more than 999 scenes  
to the playlist.  
END” appears on  
Disc is running, but image will not  
appear on the TV screen.  
- The video input on the TV is not set to  
the video terminal to which you  
connected the camcorder. Select the  
correct video input.  
Cannot divide the scene.  
- You attempted to play back an  
incompatible disc. Stop playback.  
- You cannot edit or delete scenes on a  
disc that was recorded in another digital  
device.  
- You cannot divide the scene if there are  
already 999 scenes on the disc.  
- You cannot divide original scenes.  
- You cannot divide the scene if it is too  
short (2 seconds or less).  
The disc cannot be recognized by the  
device. Or, even though the disc is read,  
cannot play back the disc or the picture  
is distorted.  
- The disc is dirty. Clean the disc with a  
soft lens-cleaning cloth (  
- Finalize the disc using the camcorder  
45).  
74).  
Cannot edit the disc title.  
- You cannot add a title to a DVD-R/DVD-  
(
- DVD-RW discs in VR mode can only be  
played back with VR mode-compatible  
DVD players. Refer to the instruction  
manual of your DVD device.  
R DL disc after it was finalized (  
45).  
- Unfinalize (  
46) the disc first (DVD-  
RW in VIDEO mode).  
Additional Information • 69  
Cannot edit my recordings or add  
recordings to the disc with the DVD  
device.  
List of Messages (in alphabetical order)  
- It may not be possible to edit or add  
recordings with an external DVD  
recorder on a disc recorded with this  
camcorder.  
CANNOT ENTER THE  
MODE NOW  
- The camcorder cannot enter the Quick  
STANDBY  
Start standby mode ( 29) while the  
disc is being recognized after it was  
inserted or if the remaining battery  
charge is too low.  
Memory Card Operation  
Memory card cannot be inserted.  
- Memory card is not facing the correct  
direction. Turn the memory card over  
CANNOT PLAY BACK  
- The disc is dirty or you attempted to  
play back a disc type not supported by  
this camcorder (not DVD-R/RW) or a  
disc that is dirty or scratched.  
- This message can also appear if  
condensation has formed. Wait until the  
camcorder dries completely before  
and reinsert it (  
25).  
Cannot record on the memory card.  
- Memory card is full. Erase still images  
(
52) to free some space or replace  
the memory card.  
- Memory card was not initialized.  
Initialize the memory card (  
- The folder and file numbers have  
reached their maximum value. Set  
[FILE NOS.] to [RESET] (  
insert a new memory card.  
- The write-protect switch on an SD or  
SDHC memory card is set to prevent  
accidental erasure. Change the position  
of the write-protect switch.  
resuming use (  
76).  
56).  
CANNOT READ THE DISC  
CHECK THE DISC  
- Disc could not be read. Try cleaning it  
65) and  
or replace the disc (  
74).  
- This message can also appear if the  
camcorder has exceeded its  
operational temperature. Turn off the  
camcorder and let it cool down before  
resuming use.  
Memory card cannot be played back.  
- This message can also appear if  
condensation has formed. Wait until the  
camcorder dries completely before  
- Set the camcorder to  
mode  
(
50).  
resuming use (  
- The disc may not be loaded correctly.  
Try removing the disc and reinserting it  
76).  
Image cannot be erased.  
- Image is protected. Cancel the  
protection (  
55).  
(
23).  
- The write-protect switch on an SD or  
SDHC memory card is set to prevent  
accidental erasure. Change the position  
of the write-protect switch.  
CANNOT RECORD  
CANNOT RECORD  
CHECK THE DISC  
- There is a problem with the disc.  
Replace the disc (  
- This message can also appear if  
condensation has formed. Wait until the  
camcorder dries completely before  
appears in red.  
23).  
- A memory card error occurred. Turn off  
the camcorder. Remove and reinsert  
the memory card. Initialize the memory  
card (  
red.  
56) if the icon still appears in  
resuming use (  
- The disc’s recording surface may be  
dirty or scratched.  
76).  
List of Messages  
- This message may appear when the  
camcorder is repeatedly subject to  
vibration.  
70 • Additional Information  
CANNOT USE DISC  
mode that was finalized with another  
digital device.  
USE OF A RECOMMENDED DISC IS  
ADVISED  
DISC MUST BE FINALIZED TO PLAY  
BACK IN COMPATIBLE PLAYERS  
- Be sure to finalize the disc and check  
the compatibility of the device before  
playing back the disc on external DVD  
- The disc cannot be used. We  
recommend that you use a disc that  
has been tested (  
4).  
CARD ERROR  
- A memory card error occurred. The  
camcorder cannot record or display the  
image. The error may be temporary. If  
the message disappears after 4  
devices (  
45).  
LOADING THE DISC  
- The disc is being read. Wait before you  
start recording.  
seconds and  
the camcorder off, remove the card and  
reinsert the card. If changes to  
appears in red, turn  
NAMING ERROR  
- The folder and file numbers have  
reached their maximum value. Set the  
[FILE NOS.] option to [RESET] and  
erase all the images on the memory  
green, you can resume recording/  
playback.  
CARD FULL  
- Memory card is full. Erase some images  
52) to free some space or replace  
card (  
52) or initialize it (  
56).  
(
NO CARD  
- There is no memory card in the  
the memory card.  
camcorder ( 25).  
CHANGE THE BATTERY PACK  
- Battery pack is exhausted. Replace or  
NO DISC  
- No disc is loaded. Insert a disc (  
- This message can also appear if  
charge the battery pack (  
16).  
23).  
DISC ACCESS FAILURE CHECK THE  
DISC  
- There was an error when reading the  
condensation has formed. Wait until the  
camcorder dries completely before  
resuming use (  
76).  
disc or attempting to write onto it. Try  
cleaning the disc or replace it (  
- This message can also appear if  
condensation has formed. Wait until the  
camcorder dries completely before  
74).  
NO IMAGES  
- No images are recorded on the memory  
card.  
PRINT ORDER ERROR  
- You attempted to set more than 998 still  
images in the print order (  
resuming use (  
76).  
- The disc may not be loaded correctly.  
Try removing the disc and reinserting it  
57).  
(
23).  
REACHED THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF  
SCENES  
- The maximum number of scenes has  
been reached. Delete some recordings  
(DVD-RW in VR mode) to free some  
DISC COVER IS OPEN  
- Verify the disc is correctly inserted and  
close the disc cover (  
DISC FULL  
- The disc is full (“  
23).  
space (  
33) or replace the disc.  
END” appears on  
RECOVERING DATA  
PLEASE WAIT…  
- Data on the disc is being recovered.  
Wait until this message disappears  
before resuming use.  
the screen). Delete some recordings  
(DVD-RW in VR mode) to free some  
space (  
33) or replace the disc.  
DISC IS FINALIZED  
CANNOT RECORD  
- You cannot record additional scenes on  
a finalized DVD-R/DVD-R DL disc.  
- You cannot record additional scenes or  
unfinalize a DVD-RW disc in VIDEO  
TASK IN PROGRESS DO NOT  
DISCONNECT THE POWER SOURCE  
- The camcorder is updating important  
file allocation data on the disc. Do not  
disconnect the compact power adapter  
or remove the battery pack.  
Additional Information • 71  
TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH CANNOT  
RECORD  
TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH CANNOT  
REMOVE DISC  
- The camcorder has exceeded its  
operational temperature. Disconnect  
the compact power adapter and  
remove the battery and let the  
camcorder cool down before resuming  
use.  
UNABLE TO RECOGNIZE THE DATA  
- The disc may not be recognized by this  
camcorder if it was initialized with a  
different device.  
- You inserted a disc recorded in a  
different Television System (NTSC).  
UNABLE TO RECOVER DATA  
- Could not recover a corrupted file.  
- This message can also appear if  
condensation has formed. If you  
suspect condensation is the reason, do  
not initialize the disc and wait until the  
camcorder dries completely before  
resuming use (  
76).  
UNFINALIZE THE DISC  
- You cannot record additional scenes on  
a finalized DVD-RW in VIDEO mode.  
Unfinalize the disc first (  
46).  
USE OF A RECOMMENDED DISC IS  
ADVISED  
- The disc can be used but performance  
is not guaranteed. We recommend that  
you use a disc that has been tested  
(
4).  
72 • Additional Information  
Do’s and Don’ts  
or vibration as this may cause  
damage.  
Handling Precautions  
Camcorder  
Battery Pack  
• Do not touch the pick up lens.  
• Do not subject the camcorder to  
vibrations or strong impacts while the  
DISC access indicator is on or  
flashing. The data may not be  
correctly recorded on the disc, and  
the recording may be permanently  
lost.  
• Do not carry the camcorder by the  
LCD panel or the disc cover. 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.  
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. 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 battery packs continue to  
discharge naturally. Therefore, charge  
them on the day of use, or the day  
before, to ensure a full charge.  
• Contact of the battery pack terminals  
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.  
• 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.  
• 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  
sure to close the disc compartment  
cover after use.  
• Since storing a charged battery pack  
for a long time (about 1 year) can  
shorten its lifecycle or affect  
performance, we recommend to  
discharge the battery pack fully and to  
store it in a dry place at temperatures  
no higher than 30 °C. If you do not use  
the battery pack for long periods,  
charge and discharge it fully at least  
once a year. If you have more than one  
battery pack, perform these  
• 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  
Additional Information • 73  
precautions at the same time for all  
battery packs.  
• Do not bend, scratch or wet the disc  
and do not subject it to strong shocks.  
• Do not attach any labels or stickers on  
the disc surfaces. The disc may not  
rotate in a stable manner and this may  
cause malfunctions.  
• Keep the disc clean of dust, dirt or  
smudges. Even very small smudges or  
particles of dust can lead to problems  
when recording or playing back the  
disc. Carefully inspect the recording  
surface of the disc before inserting it  
in the camcorder. If the disc gets dirty  
use a dry, soft lens-cleaning cloth to  
remove any fingerprints, dirt buildup  
or smudges from the disc surface.  
Clean the disc in a radial motion from  
its center outwards.  
• Although the battery pack’s operating  
temperature range is from 0 °C to  
40 °C, the optimal range is from 10 °C  
to 30 °C. At cold temperatures,  
performance will temporarily decline.  
Warm it in your pocket before use.  
• Replace the battery pack if the usable  
time after full charge diminishes  
substantially at normal temperatures.  
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.  
• Never use a chemically treated cloth  
or flammable solvents such as paint  
thinner to clean the disc.  
To protect the disc, return it to its case  
for storage.  
• When writing on the label side of the  
disc, avoid hard tip pens. Use  
waterproof soft-tipped felt pens  
instead.  
Back side of the battery pack  
Terminal cover attached  
• Moving a disc rapidly between hot  
and cold temperatures may cause  
condensation to form on its surfaces.  
If condensation forms on the disc, put  
it aside until the water droplets have  
evaporated completely.  
• Never expose the disc to direct  
sunlight and do not store it in places  
subject to high temperatures or high  
humidity.  
Uncharged  
Charged  
Mini DVD Disc  
The recording surface of DVD discs is  
extremely delicate. If handled or stored  
in an incorrect manner, the camcorder  
may stop recognizing or may not be  
able to play back the disc. Be sure to  
observe the following precautions when  
storing/handling your discs.  
• Always finalize a disc before inserting  
it into an external DVD device. Failing  
to do so can result in the loss of the  
recorded data.  
Always remove the disc from the  
camcorder after you finish  
recording.  
Do not store the camcorder with a  
disc left inside.  
74 • Additional Information  
Memory Card  
Built-in Rechargeable Lithium Battery  
• We recommend saving backups of  
memory card images on your  
The camcorder has a built-in  
rechargeable lithium battery to keep the  
date/time and other settings. The built-  
in lithium battery is recharged while you  
use the camcorder; however, it will  
become totally discharged if you do not  
use the camcorder for about 3 months.  
To recharge the built-in lithium battery:  
Connect the compact power adapter to  
the camcorder and leave it connected  
computer by using a memory card  
reader/writer or inserting the memory  
card in your computer’s memory card  
slot. Image data may be corrupted or  
lost due to memory card defects or  
exposure to static electricity. Canon  
makes no warranties for corrupted or  
lost data.  
• Do not turn off the camcorder,  
disconnect the power source or  
remove the memory card while the  
CARD access indicator is flashing.  
• Do not use memory cards in places  
subject to strong magnetic fields.  
• Do not leave memory cards in places  
subject to high humidity and high  
temperature.  
for 24 hours with the  
.
switch set to  
• Do not disassemble, bend, drop, or  
subject memory cards to shocks and  
do not expose them to water.  
• Do not touch or expose the terminals  
to dust or dirt.  
• Check the direction before inserting  
the memory card. Forcing a memory  
card into the slot if it is not correctly  
oriented may damage the memory  
card or the camcorder.  
• Do not attach any labels or stickers on  
the memory card.  
• When you erase image files or initialize  
the memory card, only the file  
allocation table is altered and the data  
itself is not actually deleted. Take the  
necessary precautions when you  
dispose of the memory card, for  
example by physically damaging it to  
prevent the leakage of private data.  
Additional Information • 75  
Condensation  
Maintenance/Others  
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.  
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.  
Condensation may form in the following  
cases:  
• When the camcorder is moved from  
an air-conditioned room to a warm,  
humid place  
• When the camcorder is moved from a  
cold place to a warm room  
• When the camcorder is left in a humid  
room  
Cleaning  
Camcorder Body  
• Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the  
camcorder body. Never use  
chemically treated cloths or volatile  
solvents such as paint thinner.  
• When a cold room is heated rapidly  
TO AVOID CONDENSATION  
Pick Up Lens  
• Do not expose the camcorder to  
sudden or extreme changes in  
temperature.  
• Unload the disc, place the camcorder  
in an airtight plastic bag and let it  
adjust to temperature changes slowly  
before removing it from the bag.  
• Remove any dust or dirt particles  
using a non-aerosol type blower  
brush. Never touch the pick up lens  
directly to clean it.  
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.  
• Use a clean, soft lens-cleaning cloth  
to gently wipe the lens or viewfinder.  
Never use tissue paper.  
WHEN CONDENSATION IS DETECTED  
• If a disc is loaded, remove the disc  
immediately and leave the disc cover  
open. Leaving the disc in the  
camcorder may damage it.  
• A disc cannot be loaded when  
condensation is detected.  
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.  
76 • Additional Information  
Playback on a TV Screen  
RESUMING USE  
You can only play back your recordings  
on TVs compatible with the PAL system.  
The PAL system is used in the following  
countries/areas:  
Algeria, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh,  
Belgium, Brunei, China, Croatia, Czech  
Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany,  
Hong Kong Special Administrative  
Region, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran,  
Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kenya,  
Kuwait, Liberia, Malaysia, Malta,  
Montenegro, Mozambique, the  
The precise time required for water  
droplets to evaporate will vary  
depending on the location and weather  
conditions. As a general rule, wait for  
2 hours before resuming use of the  
camcorder.  
Using the Camcorder Abroad  
Netherlands, New Zealand, North Korea,  
Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland,  
Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Serbia, Sierra  
Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia,  
South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka,  
Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland,  
Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda,  
Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United  
Kingdom, Yemen, Zambia.  
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 a Canon Service Center  
for information on plug adapters for  
overseas use.  
Trademark Acknowledgements  
• The SD logo is a trademark. The SDHC logo is a trademark.  
is a trademark of DVD Format/Logo Licensing Corporation.  
• Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.  
“Dolby” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.  
• Other names and products not mentioned above may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their  
respective companies.  
• ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT OTHER THAN CONSUMER PERSONAL USE IN ANY MANNER THAT  
COMPLIES WITH THE MPEG-2 STANDARD FOR ENCODING VIDEO INFORMATION FOR PACKAGED MEDIA  
IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED WITHOUT A LICENSE UNDER APPLICABLE PATENTS IN THE MPEG-2 PATENT PORTFOLIO, WHICH LICENSE  
IS AVAILABLE FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C., 250 STEELE STREET, SUITE 300, DENVER, COLORADO 80206.  
Additional Information • 77  
General Information  
System Diagram  
System Diagram (Availability differs from area to area)  
WS-20  
Wrist Strap  
CBC-NB2  
NB-2LH, BP-2L13,  
Car Battery Charger  
BP-2L14, BP-2L24H  
SS-600/SS-650  
Battery Pack  
Shoulder Strap  
CB-2LWE  
Battery Charger  
Mini DVD disc  
DVD-R/DVD-RW/  
DVD-R DL  
CA-570 Compact  
Power Adapter  
TV  
SCART  
adapter  
STV-250N Stereo  
Video Cable  
VCR  
DVD player/recorder  
PictBridge-  
compatible printers  
SD/SDHC  
memory card  
Card adapter  
Card reader/writer  
MultiMedia  
Card  
Computer  
SC-2000  
Soft Carrying Case  
Mini DVD disc  
DVD-R/DVD-RW/DVD-R DL  
Compatible  
DVD player/recorder  
78 • Additional Information  
Optional Accessories  
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  
one of the following models: NB-2LH,  
BP-2L13, BP-2L14 or BP-2L24H*.  
* Attaching the BP-2L24H battery pack will make  
using the viewfinder more difficult.  
CB-2LWE Battery Charger  
Use the battery charger to charge the  
battery packs.  
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 →  
NB-2LH  
BP-2L13  
BP-2L14  
BP-2L24H  
Charging conditions ↓  
Using the camcorder  
135 min.  
105 min.  
225 min.  
175 min.  
240 min.  
195 min.  
370 min.  
330 min.  
Using the CB-2LWE Battery Charger  
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.  
Additional Information • 79  
Battery  
pack  
NB-2LH  
BP-2L13  
BP-2L14  
BP-2L24H  
Screen  
used  
Viewfinder  
LCD  
Viewfinder  
LCD  
Viewfinder  
LCD  
Viewfinder  
LCD  
Maximum Recording Time  
XP  
SP  
LP  
105 min. 100 min. 185 min.  
125 min. 125 min. 225 min.  
135 min. 130 min. 235 min.  
180 min.  
215 min.  
230 min.  
220 min.  
265 min.  
285 min.  
215 min.  
260 min.  
275 min.  
375 min.  
440 min.  
470 min.  
365 min.  
430 min.  
455 min.  
Typical Recording Time*  
XP  
SP  
LP  
60 min.  
65 min.  
70 min.  
60 min.  
65 min.  
65 min.  
110 min.  
110 min.  
115 min.  
135 min.  
130 min.  
135 min.  
140 min.  
220 min.  
230 min.  
240 min.  
215 min.  
225 min.  
235 min.  
115 min.  
120 min.  
140 min.  
145 min.  
115 min.  
Playback Time  
245 min.  
XP  
SP  
LP  
140 min.  
170 min.  
185 min.  
290 min.  
355 min.  
385 min.  
495 min.  
590 min.  
635 min.  
300 min.  
320 min.  
Battery  
pack  
NB-2LH  
BP-2L13  
BP-2L14  
BP-2L24H  
Screen  
used  
Viewfinder  
LCD  
Viewfinder  
LCD  
Viewfinder  
LCD  
Viewfinder  
LCD  
Maximum Recording Time  
XP  
SP  
LP  
110 min. 105 min. 195 min.  
130 min. 125 min. 230 min.  
135 min. 135 min. 240 min.  
190 min.  
220 min.  
235 min.  
235 min.  
270 min.  
290 min.  
230 min.  
265 min.  
280 min.  
385 min.  
445 min.  
475 min.  
380 min.  
435 min.  
465 min.  
Typical Recording Time*  
XP  
SP  
LP  
60 min.  
65 min.  
70 min.  
60 min.  
65 min.  
65 min.  
110 min.  
110 min.  
115 min.  
135 min.  
130 min.  
140 min.  
145 min.  
220 min.  
235 min.  
240 min.  
215 min.  
230 min.  
235 min.  
120 min.  
125 min.  
145 min.  
145 min.  
120 min.  
Playback Time  
250 min.  
XP  
SP  
LP  
145 min.  
170 min.  
185 min.  
295 min.  
355 min.  
390 min.  
505 min.  
590 min.  
640 min.  
300 min.  
325 min.  
* Approximate times for recording with repeated operations such as start/stop, zooming, and  
power on/off.  
80 • Additional Information  
CBC-NB2 Car Battery Charger  
Use the car battery charger to charge  
battery packs while you are 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.  
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.  
WS-20 Wrist Strap  
Use this for extra additional protection for  
active shooting.  
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 • 81  
Specifications  
DC320/DC311/DC310/DC301  
System  
Disc Recording System  
DVD-VIDEO (all disc types)  
DVD-VR (only with DVD-RW discs)  
Video Compression: MPEG-2  
Audio Compression: Dolby Digital 2ch  
Television System  
Compatible Media  
CCIR standard (625 lines, 50 fields) PAL color signal  
8 cm mini DVD discs marked with  
the DVD-R, DVD-R DL or DVD-RW logo  
Maximum Recording Time  
1.4 GB single sided 8 cm mini DVD disc:  
XP: 20 min., SP: 30 min., LP: 60 min.  
2.6 GB single sided dual-layered 8 cm mini DVD disc:  
XP: 36 min., SP: 54 min., LP: 108 min.  
(All times given are approximate figures)  
Image Sensor  
1/6-inch CCD, approx. 1,070,000 pixels  
Effective pixels (all figures are approximate values)  
1
16:9 Movies (advanced zoom)  
(other zoom types)  
480,000 (T) / 710,000 (W) pixels  
550,000 pixels  
4:3 Movies (advanced zoom)  
(other zoom types)  
440,000 (T) / 690,000 (W) pixels  
690,000 pixels  
16:9 Still images  
600,000 pixels  
4:3 Still images  
800,000 pixels  
1/6-inch CCD, approx. 800,000 pixels  
Effective pixels (all figures are approximate values)  
1
16:9 Movies (advanced zoom)  
(other zoom types)  
4:3 Movies  
440,000 (T) / 540,000 (W) pixels  
440,000 pixels  
400,000 pixels  
530,000 pixels  
Still images  
LCD Screen  
Viewfinder  
Microphone  
2.7 in., wide, TFT color, approx. 112,000 pixels  
0.35 in., wide, TFT color, approx. 114,000 pixels  
Stereo electret condenser microphone  
82 • Additional Information  
Lens  
f=2.6-96.2 mm, F/2.0-5.2, 37x power zoom  
35 mm equivalent (all figures are approximate values)  
16:9 Movies (advanced zoom)  
(other zoom types)  
4:3 Movies (advanced zoom)  
(other zoom types)  
16:9 Still images  
4:3 Still images  
41.7-1,877 mm  
47.1-1,743 mm  
44.6-2,052 mm  
44.6-1,650 mm  
45.2-1,672 mm  
41.5-1,536 mm  
f=2.6-96.2 mm, F/2.0-5.2, 37x power zoom  
35 mm equivalent (all figures are approximate values)  
16:9 Movies (advanced zoom)  
(other zoom types)  
4:3 Movies  
40.5-1,676 mm  
45.3-1,676 mm  
49.8-1,843 mm  
43.6-1,613 mm  
Still images  
f=2.6-83.2 mm, F/2.0-4.6, 32x power zoom  
35 mm equivalent (all figures are approximate values)  
16:9 Movies (advanced zoom)  
(other zoom types)  
4:3 Movies  
40.5-1,450 mm  
45.3-1,450 mm  
49.8-1,594 mm  
43.6-1,395 mm  
Still images  
Lens Configuration  
AF System  
10 elements in 8 groups (1 double-sided, aspheric element)  
TTL autofocus, manual focus available  
Minimum Focusing Distance  
White Balance  
1 m; 1 cm on maximum wide angle  
Auto white balance, preset white balance (DAYLIGHT, TUNGSTEN) or custom white  
balance  
Minimum Illumination  
[NIGHT] recording program, Shutter speed at 1/6:  
1.6 lx,  
1.1 lx  
mode, Auto slow shutter [ON], Shutter speed at 1/25:  
6.5 lx,  
More than 100 lx  
Electronic  
4.5 lx  
Recommended Illumination  
Image Stabilization  
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).  
Memory Card  
Recording Media  
SDHC (SD High Capacity) memory card, SD memory card, MultiMedia Card (MMC)*  
Size of Still Images  
1,152 x 648 / 1,152 x 864 / 640 x 480 pixels  
1,024 x 768 / 640 x 480 pixels  
**  
File Format  
Design rule for Camera File system (DCF), Exif 2.2 compliant , DPOF compliant  
Image Compression Method  
JPEG (compression: Super Fine, Fine, Normal)  
*
This camcorder has been tested with SD/SDHC cards up to 8 GB. Performance cannot be guaranteed for all memory cards.  
This camcorder supports Exif 2.2 (also called “Exif Print”). Exif Print is a standard for enhancing the communication between  
camcorders and printers. By connecting to an Exif Print-compliant printer, the camcorder’s image data at the time of shooting is  
used and optimized, yielding extremely high quality prints.  
**  
Additional Information • 83  
Terminals  
AV Terminal  
3.5 mm minijack, output only  
Video: 1 Vp-p/75 ohms unbalanced  
Audio: -10 dBV (47 kohms load/3 kohms or less)  
Power/Others  
Power supply (rated)  
7.4 V DC (battery pack), 8.4 V DC (compact power adapter)  
Power consumption (SP mode)  
Operating temperature  
Dimensions (W x H x D)  
Weight (camcorder body only)  
2.3 W (viewfinder), 2.4 W (LCD screen, normal brightness)  
0 – 40 °C  
66 x 90 x 126 mm excluding the grip belt  
380 g  
CA-570 Compact Power Adapter  
Power supply  
100 – 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz  
Rated output / consumption  
Operating temperature  
Dimensions  
8.4 V DC, 1.5 A / 29 VA (100 V) – 39 VA (240 V)  
0 – 40 °C  
52 x 29 x 90 mm  
135 g  
Weight  
NB-2LH Battery Pack  
Battery type  
Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery  
Rated voltage  
Operating temperature  
Battery capacity  
Dimensions  
7.4 V DC  
0 – 40 °C  
720 mAh  
33.3 x 16.2 x 45.2 mm  
43 g  
Weight  
Weight and dimensions are approximate. Errors and omissions excepted. Subject to  
change without notice.  
84 • Additional Information  
Erasing still images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52  
Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70  
Exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39  
Index  
F
A
Finalizing the disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45  
Fireworks (recording program) . . . . . . . 35  
Focus priority. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54  
FUNC. menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19, 60  
Abroad, using the camcorder. . . . . . . . .77  
AEB* - Auto exposure bracketing . . . . .53  
Aspect ratio  
of a connected TV (TV Type) . . . . . .65  
of movies (Widescreen) . . . . . . . . . .63  
Auto slow shutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62  
Autofocus (AF): AF frame  
G
Grip belt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17  
(9-point AiAF/Center point) . . . . . . .54  
AV terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58  
I
Image effects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40  
Image jump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50  
Image stabilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62  
Index screen  
Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31  
Still images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51  
Initialization  
B
Battery pack  
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16  
Remaining charge indicator. . . . . . .15  
Beach (recording program). . . . . . . . . . .35  
Beep. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65  
Built-in backup battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . .75  
Disc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44  
Memory card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56  
C
J
Compact power adapter . . . . . . . . . . . .16  
Condensation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76  
Connections to a TV/VCR . . . . . . . . . . .58  
Continuous shooting*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53  
Joystick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18  
Joystick guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18  
L
Language. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21  
LCD screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22  
LCD video light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37  
LP mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28  
D
Data code. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33  
Date and time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21  
Date format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66  
Daylight saving time . . . . . . . . . . . .22  
Time zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22  
Digital effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41  
Disc title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44  
Disc types  
M
Magnifying a still image. . . . . . . . . . . . . 52  
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76  
Manual exposure adjustment . . . . . . . . 39  
Manual focus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38  
Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64  
Memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25, 75  
Mode switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26  
(DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD-RW). . . . . .3  
Discs that have been tested. . . . . . . . . . .4  
Drive mode* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53  
E
N
EASY (recording program) . . . . . . . . . . .27  
Night (recording program) . . . . . . . . . . . 35  
*
only  
Additional Information • 85  
Still image quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49  
Still image size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49  
Sunset (recording program) . . . . . . . . . 35  
O
Onscreen display selection . . . . . . . . . . 33  
Original recordings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42  
T
P
Telephoto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29  
Tripod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17  
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67  
Tv (recording program) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36  
P (recording program) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36  
Playback  
Movies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31  
Still images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50  
Playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42  
Portrait (recording program) . . . . . . . . . 35  
Power save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65  
Print order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57  
Printing still images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57  
Protecting still images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55  
V
VIDEO mode (disc specification) . . . . . . 3  
Viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27  
Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32  
VR mode (disc specification) . . . . . . . . . 3  
W
Q
White balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39  
Wide angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29  
Widescreen 16:9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63  
Wind screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63  
Quick Start function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29  
R
Recording  
Movies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26  
Still images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48  
Recording mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28  
Recording programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36  
Recording reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15  
RESET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67  
Reviewing  
X
XP mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28  
Z
Zoom  
Advanced zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28  
Zoom speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29  
Zoom type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28  
Movies (Record review). . . . . . . . . . 30  
Still images (Review) . . . . . . . . . . . . 62  
S
Scene editing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42  
Screen icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13  
SD/SDHC card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25  
Self timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37  
Serial number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11  
Setup menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 62  
Shutter speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36  
Slideshow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51  
Snow (recording program) . . . . . . . . . . . 35  
SP mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28  
Special scene (recording programs) . . . 34  
Sports (recording program) . . . . . . . . . . 35  
Spotlight (recording program) . . . . . . . . 35  
86 • Additional Information  
Canon Europa N.V.  
P.O. Box 2262, 1180 EG Amstelveen, The Netherlands  
Canon UK Ltd.  
CCI Service Centre, Unit 130  
Centennial Park, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 3SE, England  
Telephone 0870-241-2161  
Canon Australia Pty. Ltd.  
Info-Line: 131383  
Canon New Zealand Ltd.  
Customer Care: (09) 489 0470  
Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd  
1 HarbourFront Avenue, #04-01 Keppel Bay Tower, Singapore 098632  
Tel: (65) 6799 8888  
Fax: (65) 6799 8882  
Canon Hongkong Company Ltd  
19/F., The Metropolis Tower, 10 Metropolis Drive, Hunghom,  
Kowloon, Hong Kong  
Canon Latin America, Inc.  
Sales & Enquiries: 703 Waterford Way Suite 400 Miami, FL 33126 USA  
The information on this manual is verified as of 1 January 2008.  
0116W293  
PUB. DIE-304  
© CANON INC. 2008  

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