Canon Optura 100 User Manual

PUB.DIM-392  
DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER  
ENGLISH  
E
Instruction Manual  
CANON INC.  
U.S.A.  
CAMESCOPE ET LECTEUR VIDEO NUMERIQUES  
FRANÇAIS  
CANON U.S.A., INC. NEW JERSEY OFFICE  
100 Jamesburg Road, Jamesburg, NJ 08831 USA  
F
Mode d’emploi  
CANON U.S.A., INC. CHICAGO OFFICE  
100 Park Blvd., Itasca, IL 60143 USA  
CANON U.S.A., INC. LOS ANGELES OFFICE  
15955 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92618 USA  
VIDEOCAMARA Y GRABADORA DIGITAL  
ESPAÑOL  
Es  
CANON U.S.A., INC. HONOLULU OFFICE  
210 Ward Avenue, Suite 200, Honolulu, HI 96814 USA  
Manual de Instrucciones  
G If you have any questions, call the Canon U.S.A. Information  
Center toll-free at 1-800-828-4040 (U.S.A. only).  
CANADA  
CANON CANADA INC. NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS  
6390 Dixie Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1P7  
CANON CANADA INC. CALGARY  
2828, 16th Street, N.E. Calgary, Alberta T2E 7K7  
CANON CANADA INC. MONTREAL  
5990 Côte de Liesse, Quebec H4T 1V7  
G If you have any questions, call the Canon Canada Information  
Center toll-free at 1-800-828-4040. (Canada only)  
G Si vous avez des questions, veuillez téléphoner sans frais au  
Canada 1-800-828-4040. (Canada seulement)  
MEXICO  
CANON MEXICANA, S. DE R.L. DE C.V.  
Periferico Sur No. 4124 Col. Ex-Rancho de Anzaldo C.P. 01900  
México, D.F., México  
CENTRO Y  
SURAMÉRICA  
CANON LATIN AMERICA, INC.  
6505 Blue Lagoon Drive Suite 325 Miami FL 33126 USA  
Digital  
Video  
Cassette  
Mini  
ASIA  
CANON HONGKONG COMPANY LTD.  
9/F, The Hong Kong Club Building, 3A Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong  
NTSC  
Printed on 70% reused paper.  
Document réalisé avec du papier recyclé à 70%.  
El papel aqui utilizado es 70% reciclado.  
PRINTED IN JAPAN  
IMPRIME AU JAPON  
IMPRESO EN JAPÓN  
PUB.DIM-392  
0000A/ABXX  
© CANON INC. 2001  
DY8-9120-287-000  
Important Usage Instructions  
WARNING:  
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE  
THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.  
E
WARNING:  
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AND TO REDUCE  
ANNOYING INTERFERENCE, USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES  
ONLY.  
COPYRIGHT WARNING:  
Unauthorized recording of copyrighted materials may infringe on the  
rights of copyright owners and be contrary to copyright laws.  
Digital Video Camcorder, OPTURA100 MC systems  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two  
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any  
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.  
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for class B digital device,  
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection  
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can  
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and use in accordance with the instructions, may  
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference  
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or  
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is  
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:  
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.  
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
Use of shielded cable is required to comply with class B limits in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.  
Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the manual.  
If such changes or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop operation of the  
equipment.  
Canon U.S.A. Inc.  
One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042, U.S.A.  
Tel No. (516)328-5600  
CAUTION:  
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,  
FULLY INSERT.  
The lightning flash with arrowhead  
symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is  
Important Warning  
intended to alert the user to the presence  
of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within  
CAUTION  
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK  
DO NOT OPEN  
the product’s enclosure, that may be of  
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of  
electric shock to persons.  
CAUTION:  
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC  
The exclamation point, within an  
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR  
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert  
BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS  
the user to the presence of important  
operating and maintenance (servicing)  
instructions in the literature  
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO  
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.  
accompanying the product.  
2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  
In these safety instructions the word  
“product” refers to the Canon Digital Video  
Camcorder OPTURA100 MC A and all its  
accessories.  
10. Power Sources — The CA-560 Compact  
Power Adapter should be operated only  
from the type of power source indicated  
on the marking label. If you are not sure  
of the type of power supply to your  
E
1. Read Instructions — All the safety and  
operating instructions should be read  
before the product is operated.  
home, consult your product dealer or  
local power company. Regarding other  
power sources such as battery power,  
refer to instructions in this manual.  
2. Retain Instructions — The safety and  
operating instructions should be retained  
for future reference.  
11. Polarization — The CA-560 Compact  
Power Adapter is equipped with a  
polarized 2-prong plug (a plug having  
one blade wider than the other).  
3. Heed Warnings — All warnings on the  
product and in the operating instructions  
should be adhered to.  
The 2-prong polarized plug will fit into  
the power outlet only one way. This is a  
safety feature. If you are unable to insert  
the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing  
the plug. If the plug still fails to fit,  
4. Follow Instructions — All operating and  
maintenance instructions should be  
followed.  
contact your electrician to replace your  
obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety  
purpose of the polarized plug.  
5. Cleaning — Unplug this product from the  
wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use  
liquid or aerosol cleaners. The product  
should be cleaned only as  
12. Power Cord Protection — Power cords  
should be routed so that they are not  
likely to be walked on or pinched by  
items placed upon or against them. Pay  
particular attention to plugs and the point  
from which the cords exit the product.  
recommended in this manual.  
6. Accessories — Do not use accessories  
not recommended in this manual as  
they may be hazardous.  
7. Avoid magnetic or electric fields — Do  
not use the camera close to TV  
transmitters, portable communication  
devices or other sources of electric or  
magnetic radiation. They may cause  
picture interference, or permanently  
damage the camera.  
13. Outdoor Antenna Grounding — If an  
outside antenna is connected to the  
product, be sure the antenna is  
grounded so as to provide some  
protection against voltage surges and  
built-up static charges. Section 810 of  
the National Electrical Code, ANSI /  
NFPA No. 70—1984, provides  
8. Water and Moisture — Hazard of electric  
shock — Do not use this product near  
water or in rainy/moist situations.  
information with respect to proper  
grounding of the mast and supporting  
structure, grounding of the lead-in wire  
to an antenna discharge unit, size of  
grounding conductors, location of  
antenna discharge unit, connection to  
grounding electrodes, and requirements  
for the grounding electrode. See figure  
1.  
9. Placing or Moving — Do not place on an  
unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or  
table. The product may fall, causing  
serious injury to a child or  
adult, and serious  
damage to the product.  
A product and cart  
combination should be  
moved with care. Quick  
stops, excessive force,  
and uneven surfaces may cause the  
product and cart combination to  
overturn.  
3
19. Damage Requiring Service —  
Disconnect this product from the wall  
outlet and all power sources including  
battery, and refer servicing to qualified  
service personnel under the following  
conditions:  
EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS  
PER NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE  
Fig. 1  
E
ANTENNA  
LEAD IN  
WIRE  
GROUND  
CLAMP  
ANTENNA  
DISCHARGE  
UNIT  
(NEC SECTION  
810-20)  
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is  
damaged.  
b. If any liquid has been spilled onto, or  
objects have fallen into, the product.  
c. If the product has been exposed to  
rain or water.  
ELECTRIC  
SERVICE  
EQUIPMENT  
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS  
(NEC SECTION 810-21)  
GROUND CLAMPS  
POWER SERVICE  
GROUNDING ELECTRODE  
SYSTEM  
(NEC ART 250. PART H)  
NEC NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE  
-
d. If the product does not operate  
normally even if you follow the  
operating instructions. Adjust only  
those controls that are covered by the  
operation instructions. Improper  
adjustment of other controls may  
result in damage and will often require  
extensive work by a qualified  
technician to restore the product to its  
normal operation.  
e. If the product has been dropped or the  
cabinet has been damaged.  
f. When the product exhibits a distinct  
change in performance. This indicates  
a need for service.  
14. Lightning — For added protection of this  
product during a lightning storm, or when  
it is left unattended and unused for long  
periods of time, disconnect it from the  
wall outlet and disconnect the antenna.  
This will prevent damage to the product  
due to lightning and power-line surges.  
15. Power Lines — An outside antenna  
system should not be located in the  
vicinity of overhead power lines or other  
electric light or power circuits, or where it  
can fall into such power lines or circuits.  
When installing an outside antenna  
system, extreme care should be taken to  
keep from touching such power lines or  
circuits as contact with them might be  
fatal.  
20. Replacement Parts — When  
replacement parts are required, be sure  
the service technician has used  
replacement parts that are specified by  
Canon or that have the same  
characteristics as the original part.  
Unauthorized substitutions may result in  
fire, electric shock or other hazards.  
16. Overloading — Do not overload wall  
outlets and extension cords as this can  
result in a risk of fire or electric shock.  
17. Objects and Liquid Entry — Never push  
objects of any kind into this product  
through openings as they may touch  
dangerous voltage points or short out  
parts that could result in a fire or electric  
shock. Be careful not to spill liquid of any  
kind onto the product.  
21. Safety Check — Upon completion of any  
service or repairs to this product, ask the  
service technician to perform safety  
checks to determine that the product is  
in safe operating order.  
18. Servicing — Do not attempt to service  
this product yourself as opening or  
removing covers may expose you to  
dangerous voltage or other hazards.  
Refer all servicing to qualified service  
personnel.  
4
Contents  
Using the Built-in Flash ..........................53  
Turning the Image Stabilizer Off ............55  
Introduction  
Important Usage Instructions ....................2  
E
Using the Various Recording  
IMPORTANT SAFETY  
Programs..............................................56  
INSTRUCTIONS ..................................3  
Using Digital Effects................................60  
Using the Multi-Image Screen ................65  
Audio Recording ......................................67  
Setting the Self-Timer ..............................69  
Thank you for Choosing a Canon ..............7  
Introducing the OPTURA100 MC ............8  
Mastering the Basics  
Using the VL-3 Video Light  
Finding Your Way Around  
(optional) ............................................71  
the OPTURA100 MC............................9  
Using the DM-50 Microphone  
~ Preparations ... ~  
(optional) ............................................72  
Powering Your Camcorder ......................12  
~ When Making Manual Adjustments ...~  
Adjusting Exposure Manually..................73  
Loading a Cassette ..................................17  
~ Basic Recording ... ~  
Basic Recording ......................................19  
Setting the Shutter Speed ........................75  
Adjusting Focus Manually ......................77  
Setting the White Balance........................78  
Zooming ..................................................24  
Using the LCD Screen ............................25  
~ For Playback ...~  
Displaying Date, Time and Camcorder Data  
(Data Code) ........................................80  
~ Basic Playback ... ~  
Playing Back a Cassette ..........................28  
Connections for Playback on a  
Searching the Tape (Photo Search/  
TV Screen............................................32  
Date Search) ........................................83  
Tips for Making Better Videos ................34  
Returning to a Pre-Marked Position ........84  
Editing  
Using the Full Range of  
Features  
Editing to a VCR......................................85  
Dubbing to/from a Cassette with Digital  
Video Equipment ................................86  
~ General ... ~  
Searching and Reviewing While  
Recording ............................................36  
Recording from a VCR, TV or Analog  
Camcorder (Analog Line-in) ..............88  
Using the Menus ......................................37  
Using the Wireless Controller ..................45  
Recording Over Existing Scenes  
(AV Insert Editing)..............................90  
~ For Recording ...~  
Setting the Date and Time........................48  
Audio Dubbing ........................................93  
Setting the Audio Mix..............................96  
Connecting to a PC ..................................98  
Taking Still Pictures to a Cassette............51  
Contents, cont.  
5
Contents, cont.  
Copying Still Images from a Cassette....120  
Using a Memory Card  
Memory Card Introduction ......................99  
Copying Memory Card Still Images  
E
to a Cassette ......................................121  
Recording Still Images to a  
Formatting a Memory Card....................122  
Other Information and Precautions ........123  
Memory Card ....................................103  
Recording an Image from a Cassette as a  
Still Image ........................................105  
Additional Information  
Recording from Another DV Device as a  
Still Image ........................................106  
Preparing the Camcorder........................126  
Notes on Using the Batteries..................128  
Maintenance ..........................................131  
Troubleshooting......................................135  
The OPTURA100 MC System Diagram139  
Optional Accessories..............................140  
Screen Displays......................................143  
Specifications ........................................150  
Index ......................................................152  
Menu at a Glance ..................................155  
Viewing Still Images..............................107  
Settings of the Still Image Recorded  
to a Memory Card ............................109  
Preventing Accidental Erasure  
(Protect) ........................................112  
Marking a Still Image for Printing  
(Print Mark)..................................113  
Erasing Still Images ..........................115  
Combining Images and Recording Them  
to a Cassette (Card Mix) ..................117  
For quick reference  
In addition to the contents and  
index please refer to:  
• Finding Your Way Around the  
OPTURA100 MC ( 9)  
• Screen displays ( 143)  
• Troubleshooting — in case you run  
into any problems ( 135)  
• Menu at a Glance ( 155)  
Symbols used in this instruction  
manual:  
: Reference page numbers  
: Functions that can be operated  
from the body of the camcorder  
: Functions that can be operated  
from the wireless controller  
: Supplementary notes for  
camcorder operation  
` : Operation confirmation beeps  
(
23)  
• Capital letters are used to refer to  
settings displayed in the menus and  
buttons labeled on the camcorder  
itself, e.g. Press the MENU button.  
The serial number of this product may be found on  
the bottom of the camcorder. No others have the  
same serial number as yours. You should record  
the number and other vital information here and  
retain this book as a permanent record of your  
purchase to aid identification in case of theft.  
Date of Purchase  
Dealer Purchased From  
Dealer Address  
Dealer Phone No.  
Model Name OPTURA100 MC  
Serial No.  
6
Thank you for Choosing a Canon  
First, we’d like to thank you for  
purchasing this Canon camcorder. Its  
advanced technology makes it very  
easy to use — you will soon be making  
high-quality videos which will give you  
pleasure for years to come.  
Your camcorder is supplied with the  
following accessories:  
E
WL-D77 Wireless  
Controller  
Two AA batteries  
To get the most out of your new  
camcorder, we recommend that you  
read this manual thoroughly — there  
are many sophisticated features which  
will add to your recording enjoyment.  
Lens hood  
Lens cap and lens cap  
cord  
Getting started  
To get started we suggest that you  
master the basic operations of the  
camcorder first, before moving on to  
use its full range of features.  
BP-512 Battery Pack  
CA-560 Compact  
Power Adapter  
(including AC power  
cable)  
Lithium button battery  
S-150 S-video Cable  
STV-250N Stereo  
MMC-8M  
MultiMediaCard  
(with pre-recorded  
sample images)  
Video Cable  
Soft case for  
MultiMediaCard  
7
Introducing the OPTURA100 MC  
Still Photos  
Mega-pixel CCD  
E
Just press the photo  
button to capture still  
pictures. You can record  
vivid still images onto a  
memory card with the  
incorporated mechanical  
shutter. (Progressive  
Photo)  
Your camcorder incorporates a 1.33  
mega-pixel CCD. High-resolution still  
images can be recorded to a memory  
card.  
Built-in Flash  
The built-in flash  
automatically rises up  
and fires according to the  
brightness of the  
2.5” LCD Screen  
surrounding area.  
Optical Image Stabilizer  
IEEE 1394 DV Terminal  
Canon’s optical  
Using a DV cable, connect  
the OPTURA100 MC to a  
PC equipped with a DV  
terminal and transfer your  
original images and sound  
to your PC.  
technology stabilizes  
your recordings even in  
long telephoto shots.  
10× (Card 8×) Lens and  
40×/200× Digital Zoom  
Extended Recording Time  
Function  
Advanced Accessory Shoe  
Record for 1.5×, 2× or 3× longer than  
when in SP mode – up to 4 hours on an  
80 minute tape.  
Allows the Canon Video Light VL-3 or  
the Directional Stereo Microphone  
DM-50 (both optional) to be easily  
attached and powered by the  
Memory Card  
camcorder’s own power source.  
Record, manage and store still images  
on a MultiMediaCard or an SD  
Memory Card. Recorded images can  
be immediately checked by the press  
of a single button, allowing you to  
erase them or set protection. Combine  
still images recorded on the card with  
your original movies or still images.  
Also great for easy transfer of still  
images to a PC.  
Digital Effects  
Advanced digital  
technology allows you to  
add special effects during  
recording. Display 4, 9 or  
16 still images at once with  
the multi-image screen.  
Audio Dubbing/AV Insert Editing  
Tilt-up Viewfinder &  
Rotative Grip Belt  
Analog Line-in Recording  
Connect to a VCR or  
analog camcorder and  
record onto a DV tape in  
the OPTURA100 MC.  
Tilting viewfinder and  
rotating grip belt will  
make recording more  
flexible and stable.  
8
Finding Your Way Around the OPTURA100 MC  
E
Flash button (p. 53)/  
(play/pause) button  
(p. 28)  
Record review button (p. 36)/  
REC (record) SEARCH button(p. 36)/  
(rewind) button (p. 28)/  
CARD button (p. 107)  
+
REC SEARCH button  
(p. 36)/ (fast forward)  
button (p. 28)/CARD button  
(p. 107)  
Self-timer button (p. 69)/  
REC PAUSE (LINE-IN) button  
(p. 87, 89)  
REC SEARCH  
CARD  
+
Card MIX button (p. 119)/  
SLIDE SHOW button (p. 108)  
(stop) button (p. 28)/  
INDEX SCREEN button  
(p. 108)  
MIX/  
SLIDE SHOW  
INDEX  
SCREEN  
LCD screen (p. 25)  
EXP button (p. 73)  
FOCUS button (p. 77)/  
DATA CODE button (p. 80)  
LCD panel  
OPEN button (p. 25)  
DIGITAL EFFECTS button  
(p. 63)  
Speaker (p. 31)  
Digital effects ON/OFF  
button (p. 63)  
Battery attachment unit (p. 13)  
BATT. (battery) RELEASE  
button (p. 14)  
Memory card compartment  
cover (p. 100)  
9
E
Stereo microphone  
(p. 93)  
Advanced accessory shoe  
(p. 71, 72)  
PHOTO button  
(p. 51, 103)  
Viewfinder (p. 126, 132)  
Viewfinder focusing  
lever (p. 126)  
Zoom controller (p. 24)  
MENU button (p. 38)  
MIC terminal (p. 67, 93)  
Selector dial (p. 31, 38)  
Program selector (p. 56)  
Grip belt (p. 127)  
P
Program AE  
Easy  
Recording  
P
POWER indicator  
(p. 19)  
Bottom view  
Card access  
indicator (p. 103)  
POWER switch  
(p. 19)  
R
Start/Stop button  
(p. 20)  
TAPE/CARD switch  
(p. 19)  
OPEN/EJECT switch (p. 17)  
Tripod socket (p. 34)  
Backup battery holder (p. 130)  
10  
Built-in Flash (p. 53)  
E
Lens hood (p. 126)  
Remote sensor (p. 45)  
Tally lamp (p. 23)  
DV IN/OUT  
terminal (p. 86, 98, 106)  
CHARGE indicator (p. 13)  
S-video IN/OUT  
terminal (p. 32, 88)  
DV  
IN/OUT  
CHARGE  
IN/OUT  
S
AV (audio/video)  
IN/OUT  
terminal (p. 32, 88)  
AV  
DC IN 9.5V  
IN/OUT  
u (LANC)  
terminal (p. 85)  
Terminal cover  
DC IN terminal (p. 12)  
(phones) terminal (p. 31)  
Cassette compartment cover  
(p. 17)  
Cassette compartment (p. 17)  
PHOTO button (p. 51, 103)  
Transmitter  
START/STOP  
button (p. 20)  
Zoom buttons (p. 24)  
MENU button (p. 38)  
Controller buttons (p. 38)  
SET button (p. 38)  
START  
ZOOM  
/STOP PHOTO  
W
T
SELF TIMER button (p. 69)  
TV SCREEN button (p. 143)  
DATA CODE button (p. 80)  
SELF  
MENU  
TIMER  
Digital effects ON/OFF button  
(p. 63)  
TV  
SCREEN  
SET  
DATA  
D.EFFECTS  
AUDIO  
ON/OFF  
CODE  
BAMLAINXCE  
MIX BALANCE buttons (p. 96)  
SLIDE SHOW button (p. 108)  
MONITOR ST-1  
ST-2  
D.EFFECTS (Digital effects)  
button (p. 63)  
REC  
PAUSE  
CARD  
+
SLIDESHOW  
ZERO SET  
MEMORY  
SEARCH  
SELECT  
AUDIO MONITOR button (p. 96)  
REC PAUSE button (p. 87, 89)  
ZERO SET MEMORY button (p. 84)  
Search buttons (p. 83)  
SEARCH SELECT button (p. 83)  
AUDIO  
DUB.  
REW  
PLAY  
STOP  
SLOW  
FF  
+/  
AV  
INSERT –/  
FF  
PLAY  
button (p. 28)  
button (p. 28)  
PAUSE  
×2  
REMOTE SET  
CARD  
buttons (p. 107)  
button (p. 29)  
-
WIRELESS CONTROLLER WL D77  
AUDIO DUB. button (p. 95)  
AV INSERT button (p. 92)  
× 2 button (p. 30)  
STOP button (p. 28)  
REMOTE SET button (p. 46)  
SLOW  
REW  
button (p. 29)  
button (p. 28)  
button (p. 29)  
PAUSE  
button (p. 29)  
11  
Powering Your Camcorder  
Before operating your camcorder, you will need to use the power adapter to:  
E
Provide power from an AC outlet  
or  
Charge a battery pack  
Notes:  
• The power adapter converts current from a household power socket (100–240 V  
AC, 50/60 Hz) to the DC current used by your camcorder.  
• If the adapter is used next to a TV, it may cause bars to appear on the TV —  
move the adapter away from the TV or the antenna cable.  
Connecting the camcorder to an AC outlet  
1
4
2
3
Use the power adapter to provide your camcorder with instant power from an AC  
outlet. Always turn the camcorder off before connecting/removing the power  
source.  
1. Set the POWER switch to OFF.  
2. Connect the power adapter to the camcorder’s DC IN terminal.  
3. Connect the power cable to the power adapter.  
4. Plug the power cable into an AC outlet.  
5. Disconnect the power adapter from the camcorder after use.  
Unplug the power cable from the AC outlet, then disconnect it from  
the adapter.  
12  
Attaching and charging the battery packs  
E
CHARGE indicator  
CHARGE  
DC IN 9.5V  
3
1
4
2
Your battery pack was partially charged before it left the factory. It should have  
enough power for you to check that your camcorder is working properly.  
However, you must charge the battery pack fully if you want it to power the  
camcorder for more than a few minutes.  
Always turn the camcorder off before connecting/removing the battery.  
1. Set the POWER switch to OFF.  
2. Attach the battery to the camcorder.  
• Remove the battery pack’s terminal cover.  
• Align the edge of the battery pack with the line on the camcorder, press  
lightly and slide the battery down until it clicks into place.  
3. Connect the power adapter to the camcorder.  
4. Connect the power cable to the adapter and plug it into an AC  
outlet.  
• The charge indicator flashes red to show that charging is in progress. Single  
flashes mean that the battery pack is less than 75% charged. Double flashes  
mean that it is more than 75% charged. The indicator glows steadily when  
the battery pack is fully charged. If the indicator blinks rapidly and  
continuously (twice a second), the battery pack may be defective.  
• The battery pack will also charge when the POWER switch is turned to  
positions other than OFF. The CHARGE indicator may both flash or stay lit.  
5. When charging is complete, disconnect the power adapter from the  
camcorder. Unplug the power cable from the AC outlet, then  
disconnect it from the adapter.  
13  
6. Remove the battery pack after use.  
• Press the BATT. RELEASE button and remove the battery.  
E
Notes:  
• Never connect an unspecified product to the camcorder’s DC terminal.  
Likewise, do not connect the power adapter to an unspecified product.  
You can find detailed notes for using the batteries in the “Notes on Using the  
Batteries” ( 128). These notes include charging and recording times and how  
to install the backup battery.  
CA-560 Compact Power Adapter  
Specifications  
Power supply  
Power consumption  
Rated output  
100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz  
34 W  
9.5 V, 2.7 A DC  
Operating temperature range 32°F–104°F (0°C40°C)  
Dimensions  
Weight  
2 1/4 × 1 1/8 × 4 1/8 in (57 × 28 × 104 mm)  
6 3/8 oz (180 g) (without power cable)  
Weight and dimensions are approximate.  
Errors and omissions excepted.  
Subject to change without notice.  
When replacement of power supply is required, please return it to the  
responsible nearest Canon Service Center and please replace it with the same  
type number CA-560 or equivalent.  
The Adapter can be used with a power supply between 100 and 240 V AC. For  
areas where 120 V AC power is not used, you will need a special plug adapter.  
Contact your nearest Canon Service Center for further information.  
14  
Using the Charge Adapter CR-560 Kit (optional)  
E
The Compact Power Adapter CA-560 included with the camcorder can be used  
along with the CR-560 Kit for 3 different ways to power the camcorder or charge  
battery packs:  
1. Charge the BP-500 Series battery packs with power from your car battery.  
2. Operate the camcorder with power from your car battery.  
3. Charge the BP-500 Series battery packs from a household AC outlet.  
The Charge Adapter/Car Battery Cable Kit CR-560 includes the following:  
DC Cable  
Charge Adapter  
Car Battery Cable  
1. Charge the BP-500 Series battery packs with power from your car  
battery.  
1 or 2 battery pack(s) + Charge Adapter + Car Battery Cablecar’s cigarette  
lighter  
CHARGE  
To cars  
cigarette lighter  
• Fast charging for the high-capacity BP-522 and BP-535 (both optional). Fifteen  
minutes of charging gives 60 minutes of recording (using the viewfinder).  
Time required for full charge  
from car battery or household outlet  
BP-512  
1 hr. 20 min.  
1 hr. 20 min.  
1 hr. 40 min.  
2 hr. 30 min.  
BP-511 (optional)  
BP-522 (optional)  
BP-535 (optional)  
15  
2. Operate the camcorder with power from your car battery.  
Camcorder + DC Cable + Charge Adapter + Car Battery Cable car’s  
cigarette lighter  
E
To cars  
cigarette lighter  
3. Charge the BP-500 Series battery packs from a household AC  
outlet.  
1 or 2 battery pack(s) + Charge Adapter + Compact Power Adapter  
CHARGE  
• Fast charging for the high-capacity BP-522 and BP-535 (both optional). Fifteen  
minutes of charging gives 60 minutes of recording (using the viewfinder).  
Note:  
• For full details of how to use the CR-560, refer to its instruction manual.  
16  
Loading a Cassette  
OPEN/EJECT  
P U S H  
E
Only use videocassettes marked with the D logo.*  
Loading and unloading  
1. Make sure that you have attached a power source.  
2. Slide the OPEN / EJECT 5 switch (on the bottom of the  
camcorder) to release the cassette compartment cover.  
• Pull the cover fully open (while holding the button) and wait a couple of  
seconds for the cassette compartment to open automatically.  
• The confirmation beep sounds when the cassette cover fully opens.  
3. Load or unload the cassette.  
• Insert the cassette gently with the window facing the grip belt, and the  
REC/SAVE tab outwards.  
• Remove the cassette by pulling it straight out.  
4. Press the P mark on the compartment until it clicks, and wait  
for it to close.  
5. Click the cover back into place.  
* D is a trade mark.  
Notes:  
• Do not interfere with the cassette compartment while it is opening or closing  
automatically, and do not attempt to close the cover until the cassette  
compartment has fully retracted.  
• After loading a cassette, use record search ( 36) to find the point where you  
want to start recording.  
• Be careful not to get your fingers caught in the cassette compartment cover.  
• Do not leave the cassette in the camcorder after use — return it to its case and  
store it in a cool, clean, dry place.  
• When you turn the camcorder’s power on, v flashes in the display until you  
load a cassette.  
• With some types of tapes, the remaining tape display may not give an accurate  
reading ( 144).  
17  
Protecting tapes from accidental erasure  
E
REC  
SAVE  
REC  
SAVE  
To protect your recording from accidental erasure, slide the tab on the cassette so  
that it exposes the hole. (This switch position is usually labeled SAVE or ERASE  
OFF.)  
If you load this cassette and put the camcorder in record pause mode ( 19),  
“THE TAPE IS SET FOR ERASURE PREVENTION” is displayed for approx. 4  
seconds and then the v mark flashes in the display.  
If you want to record on the cassette again, slide the tab back so the hole is closed.  
Handling cassettes  
• To protect the tape heads, transfer cassettes directly from the tape case to the  
camcorder — do not open the tape protect cover or touch the tape itself.  
• Do not use cassettes where the tape has been damaged or spliced — they may  
damage the camcorder.  
• Do not insert anything into the small holes on the cassette or cover them with  
cellophane tape.  
• Handle cassettes with care — dropping them or exposing them to external  
shocks may cause internal damage.  
• Store cassettes in the provided case, first rewinding them to the start of the tape  
and then storing them upright.  
• A cassette with metal plated terminals may become dirty with use, affecting  
information transfer. Therefore, after using a tape about 10 times, be sure to  
clean the terminals with a cotton swab.  
Cassette memory  
You are unable to use the cassette memory function with this camcorder.  
18  
Basic Recording  
4
1
P
E
2
5, 6  
V
Before you start recording  
Have you completed the following steps?  
• Attached a power source ( 12).  
• Removed the lens cap ( 127).  
• Fasten the grip belt ( 127).  
• Attach the lens hood ( 126).  
• Chosen the display: viewfinder ( 126) or LCD screen ( 25).  
Note:  
• When you’re using the viewfinder, fully close the LCD or rotate the LCD so  
that it faces the same direction as the lens ( 25).  
You may also want to install the backup battery ( 130) in order to set the date  
and time display ( 48).  
To record  
1. Press the small green button on the POWER switch and hold, turn  
the POWER switch to CAMERA.  
• The camcorder automatically sets to record pause mode. PAUSE appears in  
the display.  
• If you haven’t set the date and time display, SET THE TIME ZONE, DATE  
AND TIME appears in the display. For setting the time zone, see p. 48. For  
setting the date and time, see p. 50.  
• The camcorder power indicator lights up red.  
• The confirmation beep sounds.  
• The camcorder will turn itself off if you leave it in record pause mode for  
more than about 5 minutes. To return to record pause mode, turn the  
POWER switch to OFF and then back to CAMERA.  
2. Make sure the TAPE/CARD switch is set to TAPE.  
• For still image recording to a memory card, see p. 103.  
19  
3. Load a cassette ( 17).  
4. Slide the program selector to [.  
E
• This selects the camcorder’s Easy Recording program. It allows you to  
simply point and shoot without making any manual adjustments ( 58).  
5. Press and release the start/stop button once to begin recording.  
• For still image recording to a cassette, see p. 51.  
• The tally lamp flashes rapidly and REC appears in the display.  
6. Press and release the start/stop button again to pause recording.  
• The camcorder returns to record pause mode and PAUSE reappears in the  
display.  
You can stop and restart recording as often as you like by pressing the  
start/stop button.  
Note:  
• After loading a cassette, start recording when the tape counter has stopped.  
When you have finished recording  
• Replace the lens cap.  
• Return the viewfinder to its retracted position.  
• Return the LCD screen flush to the camcorder body.  
• Unload the cassette.  
• Turn the POWER switch to OFF.  
• Disconnect the power source.  
Notes:  
• To check that the camcorder is recording correctly, make a test recording first.  
• Before making important recordings, clean the video heads using a Canon  
DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette or a commercially available  
digital video head cleaning cassette.  
• To close the LCD panel, rotate it vertically until the screen faces you, then push  
it in flat against the side of the camcorder until it clicks securely.  
You cannot monitor the sound from the speaker when recording.  
• For tips on how to make better videos, see p. 34.  
• For extra recording time, set REC MODE to any mode other than SP ( 21).  
• Do not hold the camcorder by the LCD panel, viewfinder, battery pack or built-  
in flash.  
20  
Changing the recording mode  
E
Choose from 4 recording modes: SP (standard play), 1.5× SP, 2× SP or 3× SP.  
• Only SP and LP modes are available when the camcorder is set to CARD  
PLAY (VCR) mode.  
Recording times (this example uses an 80-minute tape)  
Standard recording  
SP  
Extended recording  
SP  
LP  
1.5× SP  
(120 min.)  
LP  
3× SP  
(240 min.)  
2× SP  
(160 min.)  
80 min.  
In SP and LP modes, image data is compressed twice as much as in SP and  
LP modes when being recorded to a tape.  
You can’t add sound (audio dubbing) or images (AV insert) to a tape that has  
been recorded in a mode other than SP mode. If you plan to use either of these  
functions later, record in SP mode.  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
TAPE  
CARD  
+
+
+
,
,
VCR SET UP  
REC MODE••••SP  
(
37)  
To change the recording mode, open the menu and select VCR SET  
UP. Then select REC MODE, set it to LP, SP or LP and close the  
menu.  
Notes:  
About all 3 extended recording modes  
• When recording and playing back tapes in one of the extended recording  
modes, the nature of the tape and usage conditions may affect recording,  
mosaic-like noise may appear in the image and the sound may be distorted  
during playback. For important recordings, therefore, set the camcorder to SP  
mode.  
• We recommend recording in SP mode when you plan to transfer images taken  
with the camcorder to your PC.  
• If you record in more than one mode on the same tape, the picture may become  
distorted during playback and the time code may not be written correctly.  
• A tape recorded in LP mode on other digital equipment may produce the  
mosaic-like noise and the sound may become distorted when playing back on  
this camcorder.  
• A tape recorded in LP or LP mode on this camcorder may produce the  
mosaic-like noise and the sound may become distorted when playing back on  
other digital equipment.  
21  
About SP and LP modes  
• The image quality of recordings done in SP or LP modes will be lower  
than that of those done in SP or LP modes.  
E
• A cassette recorded in SP or LP mode cannot be played back on a  
camcorder not equipped with that mode.  
• The recording mode might not appear in the display correctly if you switch to  
SP or LP while the camcorder is connected to another digital video device.  
• When the recording mode is changed to SP or LP, the camcorder modifies  
the image for appropriate recording in that mode.  
You might not be able to do DV dubbing correctly with the camcorder set to  
SP or LP mode.  
16:9 (Wide screen TV recording)  
Produces images in the 16:9 format for  
playback on wide screen TVs.  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
+
CAM.SET UP  
16:9••••••••OFF  
(
37)  
To switch 16:9 to ON, open the menu and select CAM.SET UP. Then  
select 16:9, set it to ON and close the menu.  
Notes:  
• “16:9” is shown in the display when you switch the 16:9 mode on.  
You cannot use the 16:9 mode with the Easy Recording program.  
You cannot use the multi-image screen when setting the 16:9 mode on.  
• If you play back a recording made for 16:9 on a normal TV screen, the image  
will appear to be vertically “squashed” (compressed).  
• If you connect the camcorder to a TV with an S1 terminal or the Video ID-1  
system, recordings made in the 16:9 mode for wide screen TVs will  
automatically play back in wide screen mode on the TV screen.  
22  
Turning off the tally lamp  
E
The tally lamp lets you know that the  
camcorder is recording, receiving  
signals from the wireless controller or  
counting down for the self-timer.  
However, its flashing may be reflected  
into the lens during close-up recording,  
or when recording through glass.  
You may therefore decide to turn it off.  
PLAY  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
TAPE  
CARD  
+
+
+
(VCR)  
,
,
SYSTEM  
TALLY LAMP••ON  
(
37)  
To turn the tally lamp off, open the menu and select SYSTEM. Then  
select TALLY LAMP, set it to OFF and close the menu.  
• The tally lamp no longer flashes during recording, but it will still light up when  
the camcorder receives a signal from the wireless controller and during the self-  
timer countdown.  
Confirmation/Warning beeps  
The camcorder’s short operation confirmation beeps are indicated by ` in the  
illustrations. Beeps sound upon certain camcorder operations such as when you  
turn the camcorder on, during the self-timer countdown, right before the  
camcorder’s automatic shut-off, and also upon any unusual condition of the  
camcorder. Beeps are not recorded on the tape.  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
TAPE  
CARD  
CAMERA  
CARD  
+
+
+
+
,
,
,
SYSTEM  
BEEP••••••••ON  
(
37)  
To turn the beep off, open the menu and select SYSTEM. Then select  
BEEP, set it to OFF and close the menu.  
23  
Zooming  
Zoom in  
E
W
T
Zoom out  
10× optical zoom  
Card 8×  
The camcorder’s 10× zoom lens allows you to choose the best picture angle for  
each scene (up to 8× when using a memory card):  
• Move the zoom control towards W to zoom out to wide-angle.  
• Move it towards T to zoom in to telephoto.  
You can also control the speed of zooming:  
• Move the control slightly to zoom slowly.  
• Move it farther to zoom more quickly. (The farther you move the zoom control,  
the faster the zoom speed.)  
The T and W buttons on the wireless controller adjust the picture angle, but not  
the zoom speed.  
200× digital zoom  
Magnifies the camcorder’s zoom range by up to 20× in TAPE CAMERA mode.  
The zoom control continues to work as usual. You can freely zoom in and out  
between 1× and 200× magnification — the camcorder automatically switches  
between optical zooming (up to 10×) and digital zooming (10× to 40× or 10× to  
200×).  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
+
CAM.SET UP  
D.ZOOM••••••40×  
(
37)  
To change the digital zoom, open the menu and select CAM.SET UP.  
Then select D.ZOOM, set it to OFF or 200× and close the menu.  
Notes:  
• When zooming, as a rule, keep at least 3 ft 33/8 in (1 m) between you and your  
subject. However when the zoom is at the wide-angle position, you can focus  
on a subject as close as 3/8 in (1 cm).  
• Image resolution is slightly lower when the magnification is greater than 10×.  
You cannot use digital zoom when the multi-image screen or mosaic is set. The  
display becomes “– – –”.  
• The zoom indicator appears for 4 seconds. When the digital zoom is set to 40×,  
the zoom indicator extends (light blue). When the digital zoom is set to 200×  
zoom, the zoom indicator extends again (a darker blue).  
24  
Using the LCD Screen  
Opening and closing the LCD screen  
E
Push the LCD panel OPEN button and  
open the panel by pulling it away from  
the camcorder. This automatically  
switches the LCD screen on and the  
viewfinder off. When you close the  
LCD panel, the LCD screen  
automatically switches off and the  
viewfinder switches back on.  
Changing the angle of the LCD screen  
You can choose the angle of the screen  
that suits you best by opening and  
rotating the screen, also you can rotate  
the LCD screen so that faces in the  
direction of the lens ( 27).  
180°  
90°  
90°  
You can also push the panel flat  
against the camcorder until it is flush  
with the side, with the screen facing  
outwards.  
Notes:  
• Avoid touching the LCD screen when moving the LCD panel.  
• Do not hold the camcorder by the LCD panel or the viewfinder.  
• Make sure you open the LCD panel at 90°, before attempting to rotate it.  
• Always rotate the LCD panel vertically into place, before closing it or pushing  
it flat against the side of the camcorder.  
• Always fully close the LCD panel until it clicks securely.  
• Be careful not to leave the LCD, viewfinder or lens exposed to direct sunlight  
outdoors or in a window. Doing so could cause damage.  
25  
• Bright light falling on the LCD screen may cause glare that makes it difficult  
for you to view the image. In this case, switch to using the viewfinder. You are  
also able to adjust the brightness of the screen (see “Adjusting the LCD screen”  
below).  
E
Adjusting the LCD screen  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
TAPE  
CARD  
CAMERA  
CARD  
+
+
+
+
,
,
,
BRIGHTNESS••  
+
DISP.SET UP  
(
37)  
Open the menu and select DISP.SET UP from the menu. Then select  
BRIGHTNESS, adjust the level with the selector dial and close the  
menu.  
A bar showing the level appears in the display.  
• Turn the selector dial up to make the display brighter.  
• Turn the selector dial down to make the display darker.  
Notes:  
• The camcorder will remember your brightness setting even after you turn it off.  
• The brightness of the LCD does not affect that of the recorded images or the  
viewfinder.  
About the LCD Screen  
The LCD screen built into this camcorder is a high precision product.  
However, small black dots or bright points of light (red, blue or green) may  
appear constantly on the LCD screen. This is not a malfunction of the LCD screen  
and they are not recorded on the tape. (Effective dots: more than 99.99%)  
26  
Allowing the subject to monitor recording  
E
When you turn the LCD panel so that it  
faces the same direction as the lens,  
you can watch yourself during  
recording or let your subject monitor  
recording. The viewfinder is also  
activated when the panel is in this  
position. (Adjusting the viewfinder,  
126)  
You can choose the display style,  
reversed (mirror on) or not (mirror  
off). The recording itself is  
unaffected regardless of which one  
you choose.  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
CARD  
CAMERA  
+
+
,
DISP.SET UP  
MIRROR••••••ON  
(
37)  
To turn the mirror mode off, open the menu and select DISP.SET UP.  
Then select MIRROR, set it to OFF and close the menu.  
The indicators that appear in the LCD display when MIRROR is  
turned on:  
TAPE CAMERA mode  
REC  
REC PAUSE  
EJECT  
CARD CAMERA mode  
No card  
Recording to a  
memory card  
• These and all other indicators appear normally in the viewfinder.  
27  
Playing Back a Cassette  
E
REC SEARCH  
CARD  
MIX/  
SLIDE SHOW  
INDEX  
SCREEN  
You can use the LCD screen for instant, on-the-spot playback. When using the  
LCD screen, the camcorder also plays back the sound track via the built-in  
speaker ( 31).  
• When you play back a tape, you can also close the LCD panel with its screen  
side facing up.  
• When you’re using the viewfinder to view playback, close the LCD panel.  
However, you cannot review the sound track.  
To play back your recordings on a TV, see p. 32.  
To use the wireless controller, see p. 45.  
Note:  
• To avoid accidental recording, make sure that you slide the tab on the cassette  
so that it exposes the hole (the switch position is usually labeled SAVE or  
ERASE OFF).  
1. Attach a power source and turn the POWER switch to PLAY  
(VCR).  
• The power indicator lights up green.  
2. Make sure the TAPE/CARD switch is set to TAPE.  
3. Load the cassette.  
e
4. Press the (play) button to start playback.  
• To end playback, press the 3 (stop) button.  
• To wind the tape forwards, stop playback and press the 1 (fast forward)  
button.  
• To wind the tape backwards, stop playback and press the ` (rewind)  
button.  
• If the playback picture is rough (mosaic-like noise), clean the video heads  
using a Canon DVM-CL Digital Video Head Cleaning Cassette or a  
commercially available digital video head cleaning cassette.  
28  
Other playback modes  
E
Playback pause  
Press the a (pause) button. To resume normal playback, press it again, or press  
the e (play) button. The camcorder automatically goes into stop mode after about  
5 minutes’ playback pause.  
Fast forward playback  
To play back the recording at about 9.5 times normal speed, press and hold the  
1 (fast forward) button during normal playback or press and hold the 1 (fast  
forward) button during normal fast forward.  
Rewind playback  
For reverse playback at about 9.5 times normal speed, press and hold the  
` (rewind) button during normal playback or press and hold the ` (rewind)  
button during normal rewind.  
Special playback  
Frame Advance  
To play back frame by frame, press the  
+/ ae button repeatedly during  
playback pause.  
Press and hold to play back continuous  
frame advance.  
REW  
PLAY  
STOP  
SLOW  
FF  
/  
+ /  
PAUSE  
×2  
Frame Reverse  
To play back in reverse frame by frame,  
press the –/4a button repeatedly during  
playback pause.  
Press and hold to play back continuous frame reverse.  
Slow Forward Playback  
To play back at about 1/5 normal speed, press the SLOW M button during normal  
playback.  
Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.  
• The camcorder automatically returns to playback after about 30 seconds of slow  
playback in  
SP or  
LP recording mode.  
29  
Slow Reverse Playback  
To play back in reverse at about 1/5 normal speed, press the –/4a button and  
then the SLOW M button during normal playback.  
E
Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.  
• The camcorder automatically returns to ×1 reverse playback after about 30  
seconds of slow playback in  
SP or  
LP recording mode.  
Reverse Playback  
To play back in reverse at normal speed, press the –/4a button during normal  
forward playback.  
Press the PLAY e button to return to normal forward playback.  
• The camcorder automatically goes into stop mode after about 2 minutes of  
paused reverse playback.  
Forward ×2 Playback  
Press the ×2 button during normal playback.  
Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.  
Reverse ×2 Playback  
Press the –/4a button and then the ×2 button during normal playback.  
Press the PLAY e button to return to normal playback.  
Notes:  
• Mosaic-like noise appears on the screen during some of the special playback modes.  
• There’s no audio during special playback.  
30  
Built-in speaker  
E
The camcorder has a built-in speaker so you can review the sound track alongside  
the picture when you’re using the LCD screen to play back a tape. The built-in  
speaker is monaural.  
PUSH/SELECT  
Adjust the speaker volume by turning the selector dial.  
• Turn the selector dial up to increase the volume, and down to lower the volume.  
• A bar appears in the display to indicate the current volume. It disappears in 4  
seconds.  
You can turn off the volume completely by turning the selector dial down until  
OFF appears. You can monitor the sound again by turning the selector dial up.  
You can adjust the headphone volume separately from the built-in speaker,  
either during TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode or TAPE CAMERA mode. The volume  
level is the same regardless of mode.  
• The levels you adjust for the built-in speaker and headphones are memorized  
separately. The camcorder remembers your levels even if you turn the  
camcorder off and back on again.  
Notes:  
• Sometimes audio may sound distorted when the volume is turned up high. If  
this happens, turn down the volume.  
• The speaker turns off when the camcorder is set to any mode other than TAPE  
PLAY (VCR) mode or when you use headphones.  
31  
Connections for Playback on a TV Screen  
You can connect the camcorder to a TV or VCR in order to play back your  
recordings. You will need to attach a power source to the camcorder ( 12).  
Power off all devices before starting the connections.  
E
See your TV or VCR instruction manual for further details.  
If your TV (or VCR) has an S (S1) -video input terminal  
For higher picture quality, we recommend playing back recordings on a TV with  
an S (S1) terminal. If you connect the camcorder to a TV with an S1 terminal,  
recordings made in the 16:9 mode for wide screen TVs will automatically play  
back in wide screen mode on the TV screen.  
S
IN/OUT  
INPUT  
S(S1)-VIDEO  
S-150 S-video Cable  
VIDEO  
DV  
IN/OUT  
AUDIO  
L
CHARGE  
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable  
R
AV  
DC IN 9.5V  
IN/OUT  
• Use the S-150 S-video Cable to connect the S-video terminals. Use the  
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable to connect the AUDIO terminals. Connect the  
white plug to the white AUDIO terminal L (left). Connect the red plug to the red  
AUDIO terminal R (right). Do not connect the yellow plug.  
• If you are connecting the camcorder to a TV, set the TV/VIDEO selector on the  
television to VIDEO.  
• If you are connecting the camcorder to a VCR, set the input selector on the  
VCR to LINE.  
32  
If your TV (or VCR) has audio/video input terminals  
E
INPUT  
VIDEO  
DV  
STV-250N  
Stereo Video Cable  
IN/OUT  
CHARGE  
AV  
AUDIO  
L
DC IN 9.5V  
IN/OUT  
R
Connect the camcorder using the STV-250N Stereo Video Cable. Connect the  
white plug to the white audio terminal L (left). Connect the red plug to the red  
audio terminal R (right). Connect the yellow plug to the yellow video terminal  
VIDEO.  
If you are connecting the camcorder to a TV, set the TV/VIDEO selector on the  
television to VIDEO.  
If you are connecting the camcorder to a VCR, set the input selector on the  
VCR to LINE.  
Notes:  
If you are going to use the TV as a monitor while you are shooting, remember  
to keep the TV volume turned down as long as the camcorders audio terminals  
are connected. If the sound from the TV speakers is picked up by the  
microphone, an unpleasant high-pitched squeal, called feedback, may be  
produced.  
For TVs having the Video ID-1 system:  
If you connect the camera to the TVs S terminal or video in terminal,  
recordings made in the 16:9 mode for wide screen TVs will automatically play  
back in wide screen mode on the TV screen.  
33  
Tips for Making Better Videos  
Holding the camcorder  
E
For maximum stability, grip the camcorder in your right  
hand and keep your right elbow pressed against your body.  
If necessary support the camcorder with your left hand.  
With practice, you will be able to operate the controls by  
touch, without taking your eye off the action.  
Using a tripod  
To prevent any unwanted movement, you can mount the  
camcorder on a tripod, (or any flat surface at a suitable  
height) and operate it with the wireless controller.  
When you are using a tripod, be careful not to leave the  
viewfinder exposed to bright sunlight or it may melt.  
(The light is concentrated by the viewfinder lens.)  
Make sure that the fastening screw of the tripod is no  
1
longer than /4 inch (5.5 mm), or it will damage the  
camcorder.  
Composition  
The most important element in the scene does not have to  
be in the center. For a more interesting picture, try to  
position your subject so it is slightly to one side. Leave  
some space on the side of the frame that the subject is  
facing or moving towards.  
Dont cut off the top of the subjects head, and dont cut  
people off at the neck, hips or knees (move a little bit  
above or below).  
Watch out for distracting objects in the background.  
34  
Picture angle  
E
Instead of zooming while recording, try  
to choose your picture angle before you  
begin. A good way to tell a story with  
video is to begin with a long shot that  
establishes the situation, and then move  
in with medium shots and close-ups to  
show the details. Remember to change  
your viewpoint for each shot.  
Long shot  
Medium shot  
Close-up  
Remember that any camcorder  
movement or change in picture angle  
should have a definite purpose. Avoid  
unnecessary or half-hearted  
movements.  
Camcorder moves  
Use pans to record a landscape or  
follow a moving subject. Decide the  
area you want to cover and stand facing  
the end of your panning angle. Without  
moving your feet, turn your waist to the  
starting position. Start recording, and  
after a few seconds begin to turn slowly  
from the waist. Hold the final image for  
a few seconds before you stop  
Pan  
recording.  
Tilt the camcorder up to exaggerate the  
height of the subject. Tilt down from  
the top of a building, for example, as an  
introduction to subjects at the bottom.  
Tilt  
35  
Searching and Reviewing While Recording  
Record search  
E
When the camcorder is in record pause  
REC SEARCH  
mode, you can use record search to  
play the tape forwards or backwards to  
find the point where you want to start  
or resume recording. This is useful  
when you want to add a new scene to a  
previously used cassette. By using  
record search, you can ensure a smooth,  
noise-free join between the new scene  
and the old one.  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
+
1. Press and hold the REC SEARCH + or – button on the camcorder  
while you check the picture in the display.  
• The + button plays the recording forwards and the – button plays it  
backwards.  
2. Release the button when you find the point where you want to start  
recording.  
• The camcorder returns to record pause mode.  
Record review  
When the camcorder is in record pause mode, you can use record review to play  
back the last few seconds of your recording and then return automatically to  
record pause mode. You can quickly make sure that a scene has recorded properly  
and then go on to shoot the next scene, without producing any noise in the picture.  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
+
1. Press and release the c (record review) button while you check the  
picture in the display.  
• The camcorder rewinds the tape, plays back the last few seconds, and returns  
to record pause mode.  
Note:  
• Noise may appear on the screen when you play the tape backwards.  
36  
Using the Menus  
Many of the camcorder’s advanced functions are selected from menus which  
appear in the display.  
E
There are 4 main menus:  
CAM. MENU Camera menu  
VCR MENU VCR menu  
C.CAM. MENU Card camera menu  
C.PLAY MENU Card play menu  
(
(
(
(
39)  
40)  
42)  
43)  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
2 CAM. MENU  
+
CAM.MENU  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
CARD MIX  
CAM.SET UP  
VCR SET UP  
DISP.SET UP  
SYSTEM  
RETURN  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
TAPE  
2 VCR MENU  
+
VCR MENU  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
VCR SET UP  
CARD SET UP  
CARD OPER.  
DISP.SET UP  
SYSTEM  
RETURN  
CARD  
CAMERA  
2 C. CAM. MENU  
+
+
C.CAM MENU  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
CAM.SET UP  
CARD SET UP  
DISP.SET UP  
SYSTEM  
RETURN  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
CARD  
2 C. PLAY MENU  
C.PLAY MENU  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
CARD OPER.  
VCR SET UP  
DISP.SET UP  
SYSTEM  
RETURN  
37  
Selecting from the Menus  
E
MENU  
TV  
3-10  
SCREEN  
SET  
2, 11  
PUSH/SELECT  
1. Turn the POWER switch and the TAPE/CARD switch to the  
desired settings.  
2. Press the MENU button to open the menu.  
• One of the main menus appears, according to the settings of the  
TAPE/CARD switch and the POWER switch.  
3. Turn the selector dial and move the arrow to the desired submenu.  
4. Press the selector dial in to select.  
• The submenu appears.  
5. Turn the selector dial and move the arrow to the desired function.  
6. Press the selector dial in to select.  
• The function and its settings only appear.  
7. Turn the selector dial and move the arrow to the desired setting.  
• If you are setting a function other than the white balance or shutter speed,  
the function will be set if you skip to step 11.  
8. Press the selector dial in to select.  
• The function is set and you return to the submenu.  
b
9. Turn the selector dial and move the arrow to  
RETURN.  
10.Press the selector dial in to select.  
You return to the main menu.  
11.Press the MENU button.  
• The main menu disappears.  
Notes:  
• Pressing the MENU button at any time closes the menu.  
• Selecting b RETURN takes you back one menu, or closes the main menu.  
• Items that are unavailable, due to the tape or card situation or the settings of  
other menu items, appear in purple.  
You may often find it convenient to use the wireless controller to move around  
the menus. Press its MENU button to open/close the menu and use the arrow  
keys in place of turning the selector dial. Push the SET button to select.  
38  
• Pressing the start/stop button or the PHOTO button will close the menu and  
start recording.  
You can display the menus on a connected TV screen by turning TV SCREEN  
E
(
143) on through the menu or using the wireless controller’s TV SCREEN  
button. See p. 32 for TV hookup instructions.  
List of Menus  
Turn to the appropriate page for a detailed explanation of each function.  
2
CAM. MENU  
CAMERA  
TAPE  
Set the POWER switch to  
and the TAPE/CARD switch to  
.
There are 5 submenus within the CAM. MENU.  
1 To card mix submenu  
2 To camera set up submenu  
3 To VCR set up submenu  
4 To display set up submenu  
CAM.MENU  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
1
CARD MIX  
CAM.SET UP  
VCR SET UP  
DISP.SET UP  
SYSTEM  
2
4
6
3
5
RETURN  
5 To system submenu  
6 Close main menu  
1 Card mix submenu  
CARD MIX  
101-0143  
43/50  
q Mix type.............................. 118  
w Mix level............................. 119  
MIX TYPE••••CARD CHROMA  
MIX LEVEL•••  
q
+
w
2 Camera set up submenu  
CAM.SET UP  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
e Shutter speed......................... 75  
r Digital zoom ......................... 24  
t Image stabilizer..................... 55  
y 16:9 effect............................. 22  
u White balance ....................... 78  
i Return  
e
t
u
SHUTTER•••••AUTO  
D.ZOOM••••••40×  
IMAGE S. •ON  
16:9••••••••OFF  
WHITE BAL.••AUTO  
RETURN  
r
y
i
39  
CAM. MENU, cont.  
E
3 VCR set up submenu  
VCR SET UP  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
o Record mode......................... 21  
! Wind screen .......................... 68  
! Audio mode .......................... 67  
! Return  
o
!
REC MODE•••• SP  
WIND SCREEN•OFF  
AUDIO MODE••12bit  
RETURN  
!
!
4 Display set up submenu  
DISP.SET UP  
BRIGHTNESS••  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
! Brightness ............................. 26  
! Mirror mode.......................... 27  
! TV screen............................ 143  
! Date/time display.................. 50  
! Return  
+
!
!
!
MIRROR••••••ON  
TV SCREEN•••ON  
!
!
D/T DISPLAY•OFF  
RETURN  
5 System submenu  
SYSTEM  
SEL.SETSET  
! Wireless controller................ 46  
! Tally lamp............................. 23  
@ Beep...................................... 23  
@ Time zone/Daylight  
saving time............................ 48  
@ Date/time set......................... 50  
@ Return  
MENUCLOSE  
1
!
@
@
WL.REMOTE•••  
TALLY LAMP••ON  
BEEP••••••••ON  
!
@
T.ZONE/DST••–––  
D/TIME SET••–––.––,––––  
––:–– ––  
RETURN  
@
2
VCR MENU  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
TAPE  
Set the POWER switch to  
and the TAPE/CARD switch to  
.
There are 5 submenus within the VCR MENU.  
1 To VCR set up submenu  
2 To card set up submenu  
3 To card operations submenu  
4 To display set up submenu  
VCR MENU  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
1
VCR SET UP  
CARD SET UP  
CARD OPER.  
DISP.SET UP  
SYSTEM  
2
4
6
3
5
RETURN  
5 To system submenu  
6 Close main menu  
40  
E
1 VCR set up submenu  
VCR SET UP  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
q Record mode......................... 21  
w Output channel...................... 97  
e Audio dubbing...................... 94  
r Wind screen .......................... 68  
t Audio mode .......................... 67  
y Return  
q
e
t
REC MODE•••• SP  
OUTPUT CH•••L/R  
AUDIO DUB.••AUDIO IN  
WIND SCREEN•–––  
AUDIO MODE••12bit  
RETURN  
w
r
y
2 Card set up submenu  
u Image quality...................... 100  
i File numbers ....................... 102  
o Return  
CARD SET UP  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
u
o
QUALITY•••••STANDARD  
FILE NOS.•••CONTINUOUS  
RETURN  
i
3 Card operations submenu  
! Copy from cassette to card. 120  
! Return  
CARD OPER.  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
[
COPY  
RETURN  
]
!
!
4 Display set up submenu  
! Brightness ............................. 26  
! Displays .............................. 143  
! 6-second auto date ................ 82  
! Data code.............................. 81  
! Date/time select .................... 80  
! Return  
DISP.SET UP  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
+
!
!
!
BRIGHTNESS••  
DISPLAYS••••ON  
6SEC.DATE•••OFF  
DATA CODE•••DATE/TIME  
D/TIME SEL.•DATE & TIME  
RETURN  
!
!
!
41  
VCR MENU, cont.  
E
5 System submenu  
! Wireless controller................ 46  
! Tally lamp............................. 23  
@ Beep...................................... 23  
@ Return  
SYSTEM  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
1
!
@
WL.REMOTE•••  
TALLY LAMP••ON  
BEEP••••••••ON  
RETURN  
!
@
2
C. CAM. MENU  
CAMERA  
CARD  
Set the POWER switch to  
and the TAPE/CARD switch to  
.
There are 4 submenus within the C. CAM. MENU.  
C.CAM MENU  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
1 To camera set up submenu  
2 To card set up submenu  
3 To display set up submenu  
4 To system submenu  
1
3
5
CAM.SET UP  
CARD SET UP  
DISP.SET UP  
SYSTEM  
2
4
RETURN  
5 Close main menu  
1 Camera set up submenu  
CAM.SET UP  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
q Shutter speed......................... 75  
w Image stabilizer..................... 55  
e White balance ....................... 78  
r Return  
q
e
SHUTTER•••••AUTO  
IMAGE S. •ON  
WHITE BAL.••AUTO  
RETURN  
w
r
2 Card set up submenu  
t Image quality...................... 100  
y Image resolution ................. 101  
u File numbers ....................... 102  
i Shutter sound...................... 102  
o Return  
CARD SET UP  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
t
u
o
QUALITY•••••STANDARD  
IMAGE RES.••1280×960  
FILE NOS.•••CONTINUOUS  
SHTR SOUND••ON  
y
i
RETURN  
42  
3 Display set up submenu  
E
DISP.SET UP  
BRIGHTNESS••  
MIRROR••••••ON  
TV SCREEN•••ON  
D/T DISPLAY•OFF  
RETURN  
SEL.SETSET  
! Brightness ............................. 26  
! Mirror mode.......................... 27  
! TV screen............................ 143  
! Date/time display.................. 50  
! Return  
MENUCLOSE  
+
!
!
!
!
!
4 System submenu  
SYSTEM  
SEL.SETSET  
! Wireless controller................ 46  
! Beep...................................... 23  
! Time zone/Daylight saving  
time ....................................... 48  
! Date/time set......................... 50  
! Return  
MENUCLOSE  
1
!
!
WL.REMOTE•••  
BEEP••••••••ON  
!
!
T.ZONE/DST••–––  
D/TIME SET••–––.––,––––  
––:–– ––  
RETURN  
!
2
C. PLAY MENU  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
CARD  
Set the POWER switch to  
and the TAPE/CARD switch to  
.
There are 4 submenus within the C. PLAY MENU.  
C.PLAY MENU  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
1 To card operations submenu  
2 To VCR set up submenu  
3 To display set up submenu  
4 To system submenu  
1
3
5
CARD OPER.  
VCR SET UP  
DISP.SET UP  
SYSTEM  
2
4
RETURN  
5 Close main menu  
1-1 Card operations submenu (when playing back a single image)  
q Copy from card to cassette. 121  
CARD OPER.  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
w Erase all print marks........... 114  
e Image erase ......................... 115  
r Format................................. 122  
t Return  
[
]
q
e
t
COPY  
PRINT MARKS ALL ERASE  
IMAGE ERASE  
FORMAT  
w
r
RETURN  
43  
C. PLAY MENU, cont.  
E
1-2 Card operations submenu (when displaying an index screen)  
CARD OPER.  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
y To image protect ………….. 112  
u To print mark……………… 113  
i Return  
y
i
PROTECT  
PRINT MARK  
RETURN  
u
2 VCR set up submenu  
VCR SET UP  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
o Record mode......................... 21  
! Return  
o
REC MODE••••SP  
RETURN  
!
3 Display set up submenu  
DISP.SET UP  
BRIGHTNESS••  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
! Brightness ............................. 26  
! Displays .............................. 143  
! Date/time select .................... 80  
! Return  
+
!
!
DISPLAYS••••ON  
!
!
D/TIME SEL.•DATE & TIME  
RETURN  
4 System submenu  
SYSTEM  
SEL.SETSET  
MENUCLOSE  
1
! Wireless controller................ 46  
! Tally lamp............................. 23  
! Beep...................................... 23  
! Return  
!
!
WL.REMOTE•••  
TALLY LAMP••ON  
BEEP••••••••ON  
RETURN  
!
!
44  
Using the Wireless Controller  
The supplied wireless controller can  
operate the camcorder from a distance  
of up to 16 feet (5 m). Point it at the  
camcorder’s remote sensor while you  
press the buttons.  
E
There are some functions that cannot be  
operated without the wireless  
controller:  
• Special playback ( 29)  
• Photo/date search ( 83)  
• Zero set memory ( 84)  
• Audio mix ( 96)  
16ft  
AV insert ( 90)  
• Audio dubbing ( 93)  
Inserting batteries  
Insert two AA batteries, following the  
= and - markings. Be careful not to  
reverse the polarity of the batteries.  
Notes:  
• When using the wireless controller in brightly lit places or outdoors, the  
effective range will be less.  
• The camcorder may have difficulty picking up the remote control signals at  
extremely close range.  
• Do not leave the controller exposed to direct sunlight, or in hot or humid places.  
• When the batteries run out, replace them both together.  
• If the wireless controller doesn’t work, see p. 47.  
45  
When Operating 2 Canon DV Camcorders (Remote Sensor Mode)  
E
To prevent interference from other  
ZOOM  
Canon wireless controllers being used  
W
T
nearby, there are 2 remote sensor  
modes and an off setting. The wireless  
controller and the camcorder have to be  
set to the same mode in order to be  
REMOTE SET  
compatible.  
The wireless controller and the camcorder have been preset to mode 1. If you  
change the mode on the camcorder, be sure to change the mode on the wireless  
controller to the same mode.  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
PLAY  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
TAPE  
CARD  
CAMERA  
CARD  
+
+
+
+
(VCR)  
,
,
,
A 1 : Mode 1  
A 2 : Mode 2  
OFFB : Sensor off  
SYSTEM  
WL.REMOTE•••  
1
(
37)  
To turn the remote sensor off:  
Open the menu and select SYSTEM. Then select WL.REMOTE, set it  
to OFF B and close the menu.  
B appears in the display.  
To change the mode...  
...on the camcorder:  
Open the menu and select SYSTEM. Then select WL.REMOTE, set it  
to A 1 or A 2 and close the menu.  
• The selected mode will appear on the display for 4 seconds.  
...on the wireless controller:  
Press and hold the REMOTE SET button on the wireless controller.  
Simultaneously press the ZOOM W button for mode 1 or the ZOOM  
T button for mode 2. Continue to press simultaneously for over 2  
seconds.  
• Be sure to set the wireless controller to the same mode as the camcorder.  
46  
If your wireless controller isn’t working:  
Make sure the camcorder and the wireless controller are both set to the same  
mode. Check the mode the camcorder is set to by pushing any button other than  
the REMOTE SET button on the wireless controller. The camcorder’s mode  
appears in purple for about 4 seconds. Set the wireless controller’s mode  
accordingly by pressing the aforementioned button combinations. If the wireless  
controller still doesn’t work, change the batteries.  
E
Note:  
• The mode the camcorder is set to also appears for 4 seconds when you turn the  
power on.  
47  
Setting the Date and Time  
E
PUSH/SELECT  
The date and/or time display forms part of the data code. You can choose to  
display or hide it during playback ( 80).  
Set the date and time display when you first start using your camcorder. Install the  
backup battery before you begin ( 130).  
• Before you start setting the date and time, select your home time zone from the  
menu.  
Setting the time zone/daylight saving time  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
CARD  
CAMERA  
+
+
,
SYSTEM  
T.ZONE/DST••N.Y.  
(
37)  
1. Open the menu and select SYSTEM.  
2. Select T.ZONE/DST.  
• The time zone display appears on the screen.  
Your camcorder’s time zone is factory-preset to New York. If you are at  
another time zone, select your time zone first and daylight saving time  
(DST) setting if necessary.  
3. Move up or down the list of time zones with the selector dial.  
Select the option that represents your time zone.  
• If you are now in daylight saving time, select the time zone with the  
daylight saving time mark C next to the area.  
4. Close the menu.  
48  
E
16  
1
4
19  
2
18  
24  
20  
3
17  
6
10  
7
9
15  
14  
8
5
21  
23  
12  
22  
11  
13  
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11 12 13  
No.  
No.  
Time zone  
LONDON  
PARIS  
Time zone  
WELLGTN (Wellington)  
SAMOA  
CAIRO  
HONOLU. (Honolulu)  
ANCHOR. (Anchorage)  
L.A. (Los Angeles)  
DENVER  
MOSCOW  
DUBAI  
KARACHI  
DACCA  
CHICAGO  
BANGKOK  
H. KONG (Hong Kong)  
TOKYO  
N.Y. (New York)  
CARACAS  
RIO (Rio de Janeiro)  
SYDNEY  
SOLOMON  
FERNAN. (Fernando de Noronha)  
AZORES  
Notes:  
• After you have selected your time zone and set the date and time, when you  
travel to another time zone, there is no need to reset the date and time. Just set  
the time zone to your destination and the camcorder’s clock will automatically  
change to display the correct time for your destination.  
• The camcorder automatically accounts for the number of days in a month and  
leap year.  
49  
Setting the clock  
E
After you set the date and time, the date/time and home time zone will be  
displayed for about 4 seconds each time you turn the power on.  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
CARD  
CAMERA  
+
+
,
SYSTEM  
D/TIME SET••JAN. 1,2001  
12:00 AM  
(
37)  
1. Open the menu and select SYSTEM.  
2. Select D/TIME SET.  
• The year display starts to flash.  
3. Turn the selector dial up and down to change the year. Press the  
dial in to move to another part of the display.  
• Once you move from the year, the next part of the display starts flashing.  
4. Set the month, day, hours, and minutes in the same way.  
5. Press the MENU button when finished, and to start the clock.  
Notes:  
• To make a change to part of the date and time, press the selector dial in at step  
3 to move to the part to be changed. Turn the dial to make the change, then  
close the menu.  
• The date can be set to any year between 2001 and 2030.  
• If you press the MENU button in the middle of setting the date and time, you  
leave the menu, and the clock starts.  
• If you press the selector dial in after setting the minutes you can set the date  
and time again from the start.  
Date and time display  
You can choose to display or hide the date and time display during recording.  
When the date and time display is set to ON, the date and time show in the lower  
left-hand corner of the display but the time zone disappears in about 4 seconds.  
The large, 4-second display will no longer appear when you turn on the power. It  
is not automatically superimposed on your recordings.  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
CARD  
CAMERA  
+
+
,
DISP.SET UP  
D/T DISPLAY•OFF  
(
37)  
To turn it on, open the menu and select DISP.SET UP. Then select D/T  
DISPLAY, set it to ON and close the menu.  
50  
Taking Still Pictures to a Cassette  
To take still images on a memory card, see p. 103.  
E
1
PHOTO  
PHOTO  
2
PHOTO  
You can record still pictures like a photograph. The camcorder records the picture  
and sound to tape for several seconds. The exposure is automatically adjusted.  
Copy still photos automatically to a memory card ( 120) for transfer to a PC for  
image enhancement and printout. Also, starting your shooting with a still photo  
makes it easy to find the beginning again later with the Photo Search function  
(
83).  
You can take a still picture at any time during regular video recording, or you can  
put the camcorder into record pause mode first, then take a still picture.  
Also, you can use the built-in flash when taking still pictures from record pause  
mode ( 53) .  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
+
During record mode  
Press the PHOTO button fully down and the still picture will be taken  
immediately.  
• The camcorder takes the image immediately, and then records the “photo” to the  
tape for approximately 6 seconds (8 seconds in SP or LP recording mode).  
During this time the camcorder also records the sound, and the display shows  
the still picture.  
• A counter display appears, and counts up as the camcorder records the picture.  
• The camcorder returns to record pause mode.  
During record pause mode  
1. Press the PHOTO button halfway down and hold it:  
• “PHOTO” flashes at the bottom right of display.  
• Exposure is locked.  
• During autofocus flashes white in the display as the camcorder adjusts the  
F
focus and it is displayed continuously as a green mark when the camcorder  
is ready to take the still picture.  
51  
• If the subject is unsuitable for autofocus ( 136), the camcorder may not  
E
be able to focus, and may continue to flash white in the display. Continue  
to hold the PHOTO button halfway down, then adjust the focus manually  
with the selector dial.  
F
• If you are using manual focus ( 77), the mark starts as a continuous  
F
green mark. Focus with the selector dial.  
2. Press the PHOTO button fully down to take the still picture.  
• The camcorder takes the image immediately, and then records the “photo” to  
the tape for approximately 6 seconds*. During this time the camcorder also  
records the sound, and the display shows the still picture.  
• A counter display appears, and counts up as the camcorder records the  
picture. disappears from the display.  
F
• The camcorder returns to record pause mode.  
Notes:  
• The camcorder automatically returns to record pause mode after recording a  
still image for approximately 6 seconds*. If you turn the POWER switch to  
OFF during that time, the camcorder will respond only after recording is  
complete.  
• The wireless controller’s PHOTO button has no half-way setting. Press the  
button fully and the camcorder immediately takes the “photo”.  
• Only take “photos” where it is bright enough to see the image in the display.  
*8 seconds in SP or LP recording mode.  
52  
Using the Built-in Flash  
E
PHOTO  
PHOTO  
You can take natural-looking flash pictures with appropriate illumination using  
the built-in flash, whether they are night scenes, indoors or in other dark places. It  
also reduces red-eye effect when shooting people at night or in dark indoor  
places.  
A
(Auto): The flash automatically fires according to the brightness of the  
subject.  
(Red-eye reduction auto): The flash pre-fires automatically before the main  
firing to reduce red-eye effect.  
(Flash on): The flash is forced to fire regardless of the brightness of the  
subject.  
(Flash off): The flash does not fire. Use this setting when you are shooting  
in places where flash photography is prohibited.  
Changing the setting of the flash  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
CARD  
CAMERA  
+
+
,
1. Press the (flash) button.  
• The display changes in the following order with each press of the button.  
A
(Auto)  
(Red-eye reduction auto)  
(Flash off)  
(Flash on)  
• The selected mode appears in the display, with the exception of A (Auto),  
which is displayed and then disappears after 4 seconds.  
A
• When you press the flash button while Auto is selected and  
displayed, A appears. Then, when you press the button while it is  
displayed, you can change the setting.  
is not  
During record pause mode  
2. Press the PHOTO button half way down and hold it.  
• The flash automatically rises.  
appears green in the display.  
3. Press the PHOTO button fully down to take the still picture.  
• The flash fires.  
• During recording, the display shows the still image.  
53  
Returning the flash to the body  
Press the flash down with your hand.  
E
Do not return the flash to the body while it is firing.  
Caution:  
Do not fire the flash close to peoples eyes.  
Do not fire the flash at drivers while they are driving.  
Do not fire the flash with the flash bulb covered with your hand.  
Notes:  
The practical range of flash picture is approximately from 3 ft 3 3/8 in (1 m) to  
9 ft 10 1/8 in (3 m). Depending on the recording conditions, the range varies.  
Your camcorder automatically adjusts the flash exposure according to the  
brightness of the subject (Flash exposure compensation). The flash fires to  
perform flash exposure compensation before the main firing for taking photos.  
When  
(Red-eye reduction auto) is set, the flash fires to perform flash  
exposure compensation between the pre-firing for red-eye reduction and the  
main firing for taking photos. It takes about 1 second between the pre-firing for  
red-eye reduction and the main firing.  
In Red-eye reduction automode, the subject needs to look at the pre-firing  
flash in order to have red-eye reduction effective. The degree of reduction  
varies on the distance to the subject and also on each individual.  
If the flash is forced to fire (Flash on) in a bright location, the effect of flash  
photography sometimes may not be obtained.  
The flash does not fire in the following cases:  
When exposure is locked in Auto or Red-eye reduction auto mode.  
Flash display changes to purple:  
When the optional VL-3 Video Light attached to the camcorder is set to any  
setting other than OFF.  
When a shutter speed of 1/2000 or faster is set in the TAPE CAMERA mode.  
However, in the case that Flash onis selected, the display of the selected  
shutter speed flashes (in purple) for four seconds, then changes to 1/1000”  
(yellow), and the flash fires.  
The flash display flashes in red:  
When an abnormality occurs during charging ( 135).  
The flash display disappears:  
When multi-image screen is selected.  
When you are recording movies onto a tape.  
The flash does not fire if does not appear green in the display when you  
press the PHOTO button. Set it to Flash onmode when necessary.  
When the flash is fired with a lens hood or an optional tele-converter attached  
to the camcorder, its shadow may be recorded.  
When a tape recorded using a flash is played back on different equipment, the  
image may flicker.  
54  
Turning the Image Stabilizer Off  
E
With most camcorders, even the slightest hand movements will be noticeable  
during telephoto recording. However, the OPTURA100 MCs Optical Image  
Stabilizer allows you to obtain steady recordings even at high magnification.  
Unlike electronic image stabilizers, it causes no loss of picture quality. The  
Optical Image Stabilizer can compensate for a wide range of camera movement —  
you can record stable images even if you are shooting from a moving car.  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
CARD  
CAMERA  
+
+
,
CAM.SET UP  
IMAGE S.  
••ON  
(
37)  
To turn the image stabilizer off, open the menu and select CAM.SET  
UP. Then select IMAGE S. i, set it to OFF and close the menu.  
The i mark disappears from the display when the stabilizer is off.  
The image stabilizer cannot be turned off when the program selector is set to  
the [ (Easy Recording) position.  
Notes:  
Keep the image stabilizer turned off when the camcorder is mounted on a  
tripod.  
The image stabilizer is designed to deal with a normal degree of camcorder  
shake.  
55  
Using the Various Recording Programs  
E
P
The camcorder provides you with a choice of 7 recording programs. They use  
different combinations of camcorder settings in order to adjust the exposure and  
other functions to match the recording situation.  
For simple point-and-shoot operation, select the Easy Recording program. Slide  
the program selector to the [ position.  
For normal shooting conditions, slide the program selector to Q (program AE)  
mode. Open the program menu and select AUTO ( 57).  
For various other recording conditions, the camcorder has 5 more specialized  
AE (auto exposure) programs.  
Availability of functions in each recording program  
Position of  
P
P
program selector  
Recording  
Program  
[
(Easy  
Sand &  
Snow  
Low  
Light  
Auto  
Sports Portrait Spotlight  
Recording)  
Shutter Speed  
Focus  
A
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
A
White balance  
Exposure  
Image stabilizer (ON/OFF)  
Digital effects  
16:9  
ON  
i
i
: Available  
: Not available  
A : Automatic function only  
h
i
56  
Setting the program AE mode  
E
TAPE  
CAMERA  
CARD  
CAMERA  
+
+
,
1. Slide the program selector to Q (program AE) mode.  
2. Press the selector dial in to display the program menu.  
3. Turn the selector dial to move the arrow up or down the display.  
4. Press the selector dial in to select the desired program.  
The program will appear in the display.  
Notes:  
The name of your selected recording program appears constantly on the left of  
the display, with the exception of Auto, which is displayed and then disappears  
after 4 seconds.  
Avoid changing programs during recording as the brightness of the image may  
change suddenly.  
If you switch the camcorder from the [ program to the Q program, the  
camcorder returns to the Auto program.  
When recording in dark places a bright light in the  
scene may cause a vertical light bar (smear) to  
appear. This is a normal feature of camcorders.  
57  
Easy Recording  
E
The simplest way to use the camcorder is with  
the program selector set to the [ position. The  
camcorder will take care of focus, exposure and  
other adjustments, leaving you free to point and  
shoot.  
[
Auto  
This is the same as the Easy Recording program,  
except that you now have the option of using  
any of the camcorders manual functions.  
AUTO  
Sports  
This program is useful for recording high-speed  
sports scenes in brightly lit conditions. Normal  
playback will be slightly jerky, but you will get  
clear images which can be analyzed frame by  
frame during slow or paused playback.  
SPORTS  
Portrait  
Use this program outdoors to make subjects  
stand out from a softened foreground and  
background. It works well for still-lifes and  
close-ups. The effect is most noticeable when  
the zoom position is between the middle range  
and the telephoto end. Focus manually for  
maximum accuracy, and be careful when  
recording action scenes, as this program may  
cause fast moving objects to shudder.  
PORTRAIT  
58  
Spotlight  
E
This program is designed for recording spotlit  
scenes, such as on a stage. The exposure is  
automatically adjusted for glare-free recordings  
of subjects lit by a concentrated light source.  
SPOTLIGHT  
Sand & Snow  
Use this program in places where the  
SAND&SNOW  
background is so bright that the subject appears  
underexposed in the display a sunny beach or  
ski resort, for example. You may notice some  
shudder when recording moving subjects.  
Low Light  
This program allows you to record in dimly lit  
places. It is generally best used for close-ups of  
slow or stationary subjects, as moving subjects  
may leave a trailing after-image. However, you  
can take advantage of this to create special  
effects, by rapid zooming or by panning along  
with a moving subject. Picture quality will not  
be as good as in normal lighting conditions, and  
autofocus may not work as well as usual.  
LOW LIGHT  
59  
Using Digital Effects  
Use the camcorders digital effects for more interesting productions.  
E
Faders:  
Start or end scenes on a tape with a fade to or from black  
61). Fade Trigger, Wipe , Stripe , Stripe  
(
,
Checker, Window  
Effects:  
Add flavor to your recordings ( 62).  
Negative, Art, Black and White, Sepia, Mosaic  
Multi-image Screen: Divides the display to show 4, 9 or 16 still photos. Has 3  
transition speed options: fast, moderate and slow ( 65).  
Availability of digital effects in TAPE CAMERA mode only  
[ (Easy Recording)  
Movie Photo  
Q (Program AE)  
Movie Photo  
Recording Program  
Faders  
Effects  
i
i
h
h
Multi-image Screen  
: Available  
: Not available  
h
i
Notes:  
When you do not want to use digital effects, press the DIGITAL EFFECTS  
button and select D.EFFECT | from the digital effects menu. Press the  
DIGITAL EFFECTS button to close the menu.  
The camcorder remembers your chosen digital effect setting until you change it.  
If you slide the program selector to [ (Easy Recording) while the digital effect  
display is flashing, it will disappear from the display and reappear when you  
return to Q (program AE) mode.  
The digital effect display will flash for 2 seconds after setting, even if  
DISPLAYS is set to OFF in the menu.  
60  
Faders  
E
Fade Trigger (FADE-T)  
When you start recording, the  
scene gradually  
fades in from a  
black screen.  
When you  
stop recording, it  
gradually fades out.  
Vertical Wipe (WIPE  
)
When you start recording, the  
picture begins as a thin vertical  
line in the center of  
the screen which  
gradually expands  
sideways until it  
When you  
end a scene, the image is  
wiped from both sides of  
the screen.  
fills the whole of  
the screen.  
Vertical stripe (STRIPE  
)
When you start recording,  
vertical stripes appear from the  
top and bottom  
of the screen,  
and the scene  
When you  
stop recording, the  
stripes appear from the  
top and bottom of the  
screen, and the scene  
gradually becomes  
black.  
gradually appears  
from the center  
of the screen.  
Horizontal stripe (STRIPE  
)
When you start recording,  
horizontal stripes appear  
from the left and  
right of the  
screen, and the  
scene gradually  
appears from the  
center of the  
When you  
stop recording, the  
stripes appear from the  
left and right of the  
screen, and the scene  
gradually becomes  
black.  
screen.  
61  
Checker (CHECKER)  
When you start recording, a  
check pattern appear from the  
top and bottom of  
E
the screen, and  
the scene gradually  
When you stop  
recording, the check  
appears from the  
center of the screen.  
pattern appears from the  
top and bottom of the  
screen, and the scene  
gradually becomes black.  
Window (WINDOW)  
When you start recording, the  
scene you are gradually  
appears from the  
center of the  
black screen.  
When you stop  
recording, the black  
frame gradually increases  
towards the center of the  
screen, and the screen  
gradually becomes black.  
Effects  
Mosaic  
Negative  
(MOSAIC)  
Blurs the image by  
enlarging the size of  
some pixels.  
(NEGATIVE)  
Makes the image look  
like negative film.  
Black and White  
Sepia (SEPIA)  
Makes a monochrome  
image with a brownish  
tint.  
(BLK & WHT)  
Makes the image  
black and white.  
Art (ART)  
Adds a paint-like effect, called  
solarization, to the image.  
62  
Digital effects can be set with the controls on the body of the camcorder or the  
wireless controller. Pressing the L/M buttons on the wireless controller  
correspond to turning the selector dial up and down, and pressing the SET button  
corresponds to pressing the selector dial in.  
E
MENU  
P
SET  
D.EFFECTS  
ON/OFF  
DIGITAL  
EFFECTS  
ON/OFF  
Operating faders  
Sound and image fade together.  
When operating faders, make sure the program selector is set to Q.  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
+
Select fader  
1. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to open the digital effects  
menu.  
D.EFFECT |, FADER, EFFECT and MULTI-S appear.  
2. Select FADER.  
FADE-T, WIPE , STRIPE , STRIPE , CHECKER, WINDOW settings  
appear.  
3. Select the desired setting.  
You return to the digital effects menu.  
4. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to close the menu.  
The name of your selected fader flashes in the display.  
Fader on/off  
5. Press the ON/OFF button.  
The name of your selection stops flashing.  
Each time you press the ON/OFF button, the chosen fader is activated  
(display lights continuously) or deactivated (display flashes).  
6. Fade in- Press the start/stop button.  
Fade out- Press the start/stop button.  
63  
Operating effects  
E
Sound records normally.  
When operating effects, make sure the program selector is set to  
.
Q
TAPE  
CAMERA  
+
Select effect  
1. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to open the digital effects  
menu.  
D.EFFECT |, FADER, EFFECT and MULTI-S appear.  
2. Select EFFECT.  
NEGATIVE, ART, BLK&WHT, SEPIA, MOSAIC settings appear.  
3. Select the desired setting.  
You return to the digital effects menu.  
4. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to close the menu.  
The menu disappears and the name of your selected setting flashes in the  
display.  
Effect on/off  
5. Press the ON/OFF button.  
The name of your selection stops flashing and takes effect on the display.  
Each time you press the ON/OFF button, the chosen effect is activated or  
deactivated.  
Note:  
When MOSAIC is selected, you cannot use the digital zoom.  
64  
Using the Multi-Image Screen  
Divides your display image into 4, 9 or 16 smaller images with the Image Capture  
feature. With this feature, the camcorder captures the current scene being shot or  
replayed. Choose the transition speed fast (every 4 frames), moderate (every 6  
frames) or slow (every 8 frames) at which to capture a moving subject, such as  
a person playing tennis or golf. Sound is recorded normally.  
E
4 images  
9 images  
16 images  
Operating the multi-image screen  
When operating the multi-image screen, make sure the program selector is set to  
Q.  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
+
Select multi-image screen  
1. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to open the digital effects  
menu.  
D.EFFECT |, FADER, EFFECT and MULTI-S appear.  
2. Select MULTI-S.  
S. SPEED and S. SPLIT settings appear.  
3. Select S. SPEED.  
FAST, MODERATE and SLOW settings appear.  
4. Select the desired setting.  
You return to the digital effects menu.  
5. Select MULTI-S again.  
S. SPEED and S. SPLIT settings appear.  
6. Select S. SPLIT.  
4, 9, 16 settings appear.  
7. Select the desired setting.  
You return to the digital effects menu.  
8. Press the DIGITAL EFFECTS button to close the menu.  
The digital effects menu disappears.  
MULTI-S flashes in the display.  
65  
Multi-image screen on/off  
E
9. Press the ON/OFF button.  
MULTI-S stops flashing.  
The camcorder will capture the indicated number of images at the indicated  
speed.  
10.Press the start/stop button to begin recording.  
The multi-image screen is recorded to the tape.  
Notes:  
You can operate the multi-image screen from record or record pause mode.  
After all the images have been captured, press the ON/OFF button quickly to  
cancel the multi-image screen.  
You cannot use digital zoom when the multi-image screen is set.  
66  
Audio Recording  
Selecting the audio mode  
E
OPTURA100 MC can record sound on a tape in two audio modes 16-bit and  
12-bit. The 16-bit mode produces the higher sound quality (slightly superior to  
CD) while the 12-bit mode records on two channels (stereo 1), leaving 2 channels  
free (stereo 2) for you to add new sound at a later date.  
PLAY  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
TAPE  
+
+
(VCR)  
,
VCR SET UP  
AUDIO MODE••12bit  
(
37)  
To switch to the 16-bit mode, open the menu and select VCR SET UP.  
Then select AUDIO MODE, set it to “16 bit” and close the menu.  
• “16 bitis shown in the display for approximately 4 seconds.  
Notes:  
For details on adding new sound, see p. 93.  
For details of playing back a tape that has new sound on stereo 2, see p. 96.  
When you record to the OPTURA100 MC from a camcorder with DV terminal  
outputs, the audio mode becomes automatically set to 12 bit.  
When the recording mode is set to SP or LP mode, the audio mode  
becomes automatically set to 12 bit (1 channel only).  
In TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode, the audio mode takes effect when doing analog  
line-in recording or AV insert. When you do DV in recording, the setting  
automatically changes to that of the digital device connected to the camcorder.  
External microphone  
For greater creative control over audio recording, you can connect an external  
microphone to the camcorder via the MIC terminal. When using the MIC  
terminal, use a microphone with a built-in power supply (condenser microphone).  
It is possible to connect almost any stereo microphone with a plug diameter of 1/8  
inch (3.5 mm), however, their audio levels will be different from that of the built-  
in microphone.  
67  
Notes:  
E
For details on using the optional DM-50 microphone, see p. 72.  
Be careful when using long microphones as they may extend into the frame.  
Wind screen  
The camcorder has an automatic wind screen to prevent wind noise from  
interfering with the sound track. Make sure its off when you want the  
microphone to be as sensitive as possible. Use the wind screen when recording in  
windy places such as the beach or near buildings.  
PLAY  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
TAPE  
+
+
(VCR)  
,
VCR SET UP  
WIND SCREEN••OFF  
(
37)  
To turn it on, open the menu and select VCR SET UP. Then select  
WIND SCREEN, set it to ON and close the menu.  
WS O is shown in the display when you turn the wind screen on.  
Notes:  
The wind screen can be used for audio dubbing with the built-in microphone in  
TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode as well as recording (when AUDIO DUB. is set to  
MIC. IN in VCR SET UP submenu).  
The wind screen does not operate when an external microphone is connected to  
the MIC terminal or the optional DM-50 microphone is connected to the  
advanced accessory shoe.  
68  
Setting the Self-Timer  
E
PHOTO  
START  
/STOP PHOTO  
V
SELF  
MENU  
TIMER  
V
This is useful when you want to include yourself in the picture when recording  
movies or still photographs.  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
CARD  
CAMERA  
+
+
,
1. Press the  
or  
self-timer button on the body of the camcorder  
the SELF TIMER button on the wireless controller.  
SELF-T appears in the display.  
To have the subject monitor recording, rotate the LCD panel 180° ( 27).  
For movies  
2. Press the start/stop button.  
The camcorder starts to record after a 10-second countdown period (or after  
2 seconds when you use the wireless controller). The time remaining counts  
down in the display (e.g. 5 SEC).  
SELF-T disappears from the display when recording begins.  
The tally lamp starts flashing.  
3. Press the start/stop button to end recording.  
For stills  
2. Press a PHOTO button on the camcorder body or the wireless  
controller.  
The camcorder automatically adjusts the focus 2 seconds before the  
countdown is complete. The F mark flashes white then turns green after the  
focus and exposure are set. If you are using the wireless controller, the F  
mark starts flashing immediately after you press the PHOTO button.  
The camcorder takes the picture for approximately 6 seconds (8 seconds in  
SP or LP recording mode).  
If youre in TAPE CAMERA mode, the camcorder returns to record pause  
mode after recording to a tape. If youre in CARD CAMERA mode, the  
currently recording image appears after recording onto a memory card.  
69  
Notes:  
E
If you have the beep turned on, it sounds each time the tally lamp flashes before  
recording.  
To cancel the self-timer before the countdown has begun, press the  
TIMER button.  
SELF  
To cancel the self-timer once the countdown has begun, press the  
SELF  
TIMER button, start/stop if youre shooting movies, or PHOTO if youre taking  
a still image.  
70  
Using the VL-3 Video Light (optional)  
E
K
C
LO  
CK  
LO  
1
1
CK  
LO  
ON  
AUTO  
OFF  
LO  
C
K
3
When recording in dark rooms, attach the Video Light to the camcorders  
advanced accessory shoe. The Video Light is powered by the same power source  
as the camcorder.  
Also refer to the VL-3 Video Light instructions.  
Turn the camcorders power off before attaching/removing the Video Light.  
1. Slide the Video Light onto the accessory shoe and tighten with the  
shoe lock.  
Slide in the direction of the arrow on the bottom of the Video Light until it  
clicks securely into place.  
Make sure that the light does not come disconnected when turning the shoe  
lock.  
2. Set the camcorder to TAPE CAMERA mode or CARD CAMERA  
mode.  
3. Turn the Video Light’s power switch to AUTO or ON.  
C (Connection) appears in the display.  
ON: The Video Light stays on.  
AUTO: The Video Light turns on/off automatically according to the level of  
brightness of the shooting conditions (except when exposure is locked).  
Caution:  
Be careful not to touch the bulb or the surrounding area during or immediately  
after use; it becomes very hot. Keep the Video Light away from flammable or  
plastic materials.  
Do not look directly at the bulb while the Video Light is on.  
Never carry the camcorder holding the Video Light.  
When the built-in flash rises, the light of the Video Light is interfered by it.  
71  
Using the DM-50 Microphone (optional)  
E
The highly sensitive Directional Stereo Microphone DM-50 has been designed  
exclusively for camcorders equipped with an advanced accessory shoe  
powered by the camcorders power supply. Use during cassette recording or audio  
dubbing ( 93).  
. It is  
Refer to the DM-50s instructions for further details.  
Turn the camcorders power off before attaching/removing the microphone.  
1. Slide the microphone onto the accessory shoe and tighten with the  
shoe lock.  
Slide in the direction of the arrow on the bottom of the microphone until it  
clicks securely into place.  
Make sure that the microphone does not come disconnected when turning  
the shoe lock.  
2. Set the camcorder to TAPE CAMERA mode.  
C
(Connection) appears in the display.  
3. Set the microphone’s directivity switch.  
SHOTGUN: Clearly picks up sound arriving from the front of the microphone  
(monaural).  
STEREO1: Picks up sound arriving from the front of, as well as sound  
surrounding the microphone.  
STEREO2: Picks up sound surrounding the microphone in a wider range than  
STEREO 1.  
Notes:  
Never carry the camcorder holding the microphone.  
The DM-50 will not pick up any sound if another microphone is attached to the  
camcorders microphone terminal.  
72  
Adjusting Exposure Manually  
Exposure lock  
E
TAPE  
CAMERA  
CARD  
CAMERA  
+
+
,
When you are recording in situations  
where the lighting may change  
suddenly, you can lock the exposure at  
the current level in order to control the  
brightness of the image.  
EXP  
To lock the exposure, press the EXP button. Press it again to return to auto  
exposure.  
Exposure adjustment  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
CARD  
CAMERA  
+
+
,
When the exposure is locked, you can  
adjust it manually, making the picture  
brighter or darker in order to deal with  
difficult lighting conditions. The  
PUSH/SELECT  
cameras iris can be manually set to any  
position from fully closed to fully open.  
EXP  
To make the recorded image brighter,  
turn the selector dial upwards (to a  
maximum of +11). This may be  
necessary if the background is very  
bright, or if the subject is lit from  
behind.  
E
.
L OC K + 10  
E
.
L OC K  
0
To make the recorded image darker,  
turn the selector dial downwards (to a  
minimum of 11). This may be  
E
.
L OC K  
0
E
.
L OC K 10  
necessary if the background is very  
dark, or if the subject is spotlit.  
73  
Notes:  
E
You cannot adjust the exposure without the e mark before E.LOCK in the  
display. Push the EXP button so that e appears before E.LOCK. Then you can  
adjust the exposure manually.  
The standard exposure level depends on which recording program you have  
selected.  
Exposure lock is canceled if you change recording programs.  
You cannot use exposure lock or adjustment when the program selector is set to  
the [ (Easy Recording) position.  
If you zoom while the exposure is locked, the brightness of the scene may  
change.  
74  
Setting the Shutter Speed  
Set the shutter speed manually to take stable shots of quickly moving subjects.  
E
TAPE  
CAMERA  
CARD  
CAMERA  
+
+
,
CAM.SET UP  
SHUTTER•••••AUTO  
(
37)  
1. Make sure the camcorder is set to the Q (program AE) mode.  
2. Press the selector dial in and choose AUTO from the program  
menu.  
3. Open the menu and select CAM.SET UP.  
4. Select SHUTTER.  
5. Press the selector dial in to select the desired shutter speed.  
TAPE  
AUTO  
1/60  
CARD  
AUTO  
1/60  
slower  
1/100  
1/250  
1/500  
1/1000  
1/2000  
1/4000  
1/8000  
1/100  
1/250  
1/500  
faster  
Only shutter speeds up to 1/500 are available when using a memory card.  
6. Close the menu.  
Concerning shooting in fluorescent lighting  
When the camcorder is set to [ (Easy Recording) or the Auto recording program  
in TAPE CAMERA mode, it automatically detects the flicker of fluorescent  
lighting and adjusts the shutter speed to compensate. However, if the brightness  
of the LCD or viewfinder display starts to flicker, make sure the camcorder is set  
to the Auto recording program and select the 1/100 shutter speed.  
75  
Guidelines for shooting using high shutter speeds  
When shooting with a shutter speed of 1/1000 or higher, do not shoot the sun  
directly.  
E
Recommended shutter speeds when shooting:  
People doing outdoor sports such as  
golf or tennis  
1/2000 or 1/4000  
(or 1/8000 to freeze  
the action even more  
clearly)  
1/1000, 1/500 or  
1/250  
Moving cars or trains or other  
rapidly moving vehicles such as  
roller coasters  
1/100  
People doing indoor sports such as  
basketball  
Notes:  
You are unable to set the shutter speed in any recording program other than  
AUTO.  
The image may not appear smooth when a high shutter speed is set.  
The camcorder returns to the auto shutter setting when you slide the program  
selector to [ (Easy Recording), or change the recording program.  
If you set the shutter speed to 1/1000 or above in TAPE CAMERA mode and  
then switch the camcorder to CARD CAMERA mode, the shutter speed will  
automatically change to 1/500.  
76  
Adjusting Focus Manually  
The camcorder can focus automatically. All you have to do is point it, and whatever  
is in the center of the display will usually be in sharp focus. If it does not seem to be  
focusing well, it may be because the subject is not suitable for autofocus.  
E
You can use the manual focusing function for more control over focusing.  
Focus lock  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
CARD  
CAMERA  
+
+
,
Press the FOCUS button to turn off  
autofocus. The focus remains locked at  
the point set by autofocus.  
(eM.FOCUS appears in the display.)  
You can now adjust the focus manually  
with the selector dial. Press the FOCUS  
button again when you want to return  
to autofocus.  
FOCUS/  
DATA CODE  
If you zoom in on your subject after  
turning off autofocus, it may not stay  
in focus. It is generally best to adjust  
the zoom first, and then the focus.  
Manual focus  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
CARD  
CAMERA  
+
+
,
Use the selector dial to set the focus.  
Turn the selector dial downward to  
move the focus farther away.  
PUSH/SELECT  
Turn the selector dial upwards to  
bring the focus nearer.  
FOCUS/  
DATA CODE  
Notes:  
You cannot adjust the focus without the e mark before M.FOCUS in the  
display. Push the FOCUS button so that e appears before M.FOCUS. Then you  
can adjust the focus manually.  
The manual focus setting is canceled if you select the [ (Easy Recording)  
program.  
When you are using the [ (Easy Recording) program, autofocus cannot be  
turned off.  
See Troubleshootingon p. 136 for a list of subjects which may not be suitable  
for autofocus.  
77  
Setting the White Balance  
The camcorders auto white balance  
system compensates for a wide range of  
lighting conditions. Although slight  
variations are unavoidable, colors will  
appear natural in virtually every  
situation.  
E
In some cases, you will get better  
results by setting the white balance  
yourself, or using one of the two preset  
modes:  
T Indoor Mode  
Under halogen or studio/video  
lighting  
Subject is of one dominant color  
Close ups  
U Outdoor mode  
In daylight, especially for close-  
ups and where the subject is of  
one dominant color  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
CARD  
CAMERA  
+
+
,
CAM.SET UP  
WHITE BAL.••AUTO  
(
37)  
1. Make sure the camcorder is set to the Q (program AE) mode.  
2. Open the menu and select CAM.SET UP.  
3. Select WHITE BAL.  
4. a) For the indoor, outdoor or auto settings, press the selector dial in  
to choose the setting.  
T/U appears in the display when you set the white balance to  
indoor/outdoor mode.  
b) To set the white balance yourself, point the camcorder at a white  
object (such as a sheet of paper) and zoom in until it fills the  
display. Then press the selector dial in to select SETW.  
Make sure to continue pointing the camcorder at the white object until  
you have finished setting the white balance.  
The W display flashes then remains lit.  
Depending on the light source, the flashing may at times continue. The  
result will remain better than with the auto setting and you can continue  
recording.  
5. Close the menu.  
78  
Setting the white balance manually will probably work better  
than auto white balance when shooting:  
E
Subjects with one dominant color, such as sky, sea or forest  
Close-ups  
In rapidly changing lighting conditions  
In places lit by certain types of fluorescent or mercury vapor  
lights  
Notes:  
Turn the digital zoom off (if neccessary) to set a more accurate white balance.  
When one of NEGATIVE, BLK&WHT or SEPIA is activated, you cannot set  
the white balance.  
If you have set the white balance and lighting conditions change, reset the white  
balance.  
Try to record with light from a single source. Correct white balance cannot be  
obtained for two types of lighting at once.  
You cannot set the white balance or choose the indoor/outdoor mode when the  
program selector is set to the [ (Easy Recording) program.  
The white balance returns to the AUTO setting when you slide the program  
selector to [ (Easy Recording).  
When you turn the camcorder on, the white balance returns to AUTO. If you  
then switch the white balance to SET, the camcorder will remember your last  
setting.  
During normal outdoor shooting, setting to AUTO may provide better results.  
79  
Displaying Date, Time and Camcorder Data (Data Code)  
A data code, containing the date and time the recording was made and other  
camcorder data (shutter speed and exposure settings) is automatically recorded on  
a special data section of the tape.  
E
Only the date and time appear in the data code when using a memory card.  
DATA  
CODE  
FOCUS/  
DATA CODE  
During TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode, the data code can be displayed or hidden while  
the camcorder is in play, slow or still mode.  
Camcorder data may be displayed as “– – –” during fast forward, rewind, reverse  
playback, forward and reverse ×2 playback.  
Press the DATA CODE button. When using a cassette, press it while  
the camcorder is in play, slow or still mode.  
Press it once to display, once more to hide it.  
Selecting date/time  
Select whether you want the date, the time, or both to show up on your data code  
display ( 81).  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
TAPE  
CARD  
+
+
,
DISP.SET UP  
D/TIME SEL.•DATE & TIME  
(
37)  
To change the date and time combination, open the menu and select  
DISP.SET UP. Then select D/TIME SEL., set it to DATE, TIME or  
DATE & TIME and close the menu.  
80  
Setting the data code  
E
You can also choose to display camcorder data (shutter speed and exposure  
settings) in cassette data codes.  
PLAY  
TAPE  
+
(VCR)  
DISP.SET UP  
DATA CODE•••DATE/TIME  
(
37)  
To change, open the menu and select DISP.SET UP. Then select DATA  
CODE, set it to DATE/TIME, CAMERA DATA or CAM. & D/T and  
close the menu.  
Possible data code combinations for cassettes:  
DATA CODE  
(cassette  
Date/Time &  
Camera data  
Date/Time  
Camera data  
only)  
D/TIME SEL.  
F11  
F11  
1/250  
1/250  
Date  
JAN. 1,2001  
JAN. 1,2001  
F11  
F11  
1/250  
1/250  
Time  
12:00:00 AM  
12:00:00 AM  
F11  
1/250  
12:00 AM  
JAN. 1,2001  
12:00 AM  
JAN. 1,2001  
F11  
1/250  
Date & Time  
Notes:  
The data code will read “– – –” in the following situations:  
During playback of a blank section of tape.  
If the tape was recorded before entering the date and time in the camcorders  
memory.  
If the tape was recorded on a camcorder without a data code function.  
If noise or tape damage prevents the data code from being read.  
If a recording made on OPTURA100 MC is played back on a different DV  
camcorder, the data code may not be displayed correctly.  
The data code will appear in the display even if DISPLAYS ( 143) has been  
set to OFF through the menu.  
81  
Six-second auto date  
E
The 6-second auto date appears for 6 seconds to mark the changeover of a day if  
the tape was being recorded at 12:00 midnight. It also appears for 6 seconds when  
you start playback and have the data code turned off. The 6-second auto date will  
adjust for any time zone changes you have indicated.  
PLAY  
TAPE  
+
(VCR)  
DISP.SET UP  
6SEC. DATE•••OFF  
(
37)  
To turn the 6-second auto date on, open the menu and select  
DISP.SET UP. Then select 6SEC. DATE, set it to ON and close the  
menu.  
Note:  
When 6SEC.DATE is turned on but DISPLAYS ( 143) is turned off, the 6-  
second auto date will still appear for 6 seconds.  
82  
Searching the Tape (Photo Search/Date Search)  
E
ZERO SET SEARCH  
SELECT  
MEMORY  
AUDIO  
DUB.  
REW  
PLAY  
STOP  
SLOW  
FF  
AV  
/  
+ /  
INSERT  
PAUSE  
×2  
REMOTE SET  
This allows you to move quickly through still pictures recorded anywhere on a  
tape (photo search) or between different days or areas of recording (date search)  
on a tape.  
PLAY  
TAPE  
+
(VCR)  
1. Press the SEARCH SELECT button to choose between photo/date  
search.  
PHOTO SEARCH or DATE SEARCH is shown in the display for 4  
seconds.  
2. Press the - and + buttons to move backwards or forwards  
through the still pictures or between different days of recording.  
Press once to move to the start of the previous/next still picture or day on  
the tape.  
You can press more than once to move to the corresponding still picture or  
day (up to a maximum of 10 times), e.g. press the + button 5 times to  
move forward 5 still pictures or days.  
PHOTO SEARCH/DATE SEARCH appears in the middle of the display  
alongside the - or + mark and number to search through. You can  
change direction easily by pressing the button for the opposite direction.  
Notes:  
Press 3 (stop) to stop mid-search.  
If you begin a search very close to the start of a recorded still picture during  
photo search, the camcorder may skip straight past it.  
When you have set the area for the World Clock, date search also looks for the  
change in date based on the adjusted time.  
A date/area cannot be identified if the total recording time on that day/area was  
less than 1 minute.  
Date search playback may start just before or after the beginning of the located  
section.  
If the data code is not displayed correctly you will not be able to operate the  
date search correctly.  
83  
Returning to a Pre-Marked Position  
E
ZERO SET  
MEMORY  
SEARCH  
SELECT  
AUDIO  
DUB.  
REW  
PLAY  
STOP  
SLOW  
FF  
AV  
/  
+ /  
INSERT  
PAUSE  
×2  
REMOTE SET  
Use the wireless controller to mark a point on a tape that you want to return to  
following playback.  
PLAY  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
TAPE  
+
+
(VCR)  
,
1. Press the ZERO SET MEMORY button on the wireless controller  
during playback at a point you want to return to later.  
The time code is replaced by a tape counter that is set to zero with the  
Â
indication.  
Press the ZERO SET MEMORY button once more to cancel the zero set  
memory.  
2. When you have finished playback, fast forward or rewind the tape.  
The tape stops automatically when it reaches the zero set position.  
RTN1 or `RTN appears in the display.  
The tape counter with  
Â
indication disappears from the display and the time  
code reappears.  
Notes:  
The zero set memory may not function correctly where there is a break between  
recordings on the tape.  
You can also use zero set memory to mark a position on a tape in TAPE  
CAMERA mode. When you then play back the tape, pressing rewind will take  
you back to the pre-marked position.  
If you remove the tape while the zero set memory is set, the memory is  
canceled and the tape counter reverts to time code.  
The camcorder remembers your setting even if you turn it off and back on again  
or move the program selector.  
84  
Editing to a VCR  
By connecting the camcorder to a VCR, you can edit your recordings in order to  
remove unwanted scenes — or combine different shots to create your own video  
productions.  
E
Preparations  
1. Connect the camcorder to the VCR.  
• See “Connections for Playback on a TV Screen” on p. 32.  
2. Prepare the TV and VCR.  
• Turn on the TV and set the TV/VIDEO selector to VIDEO.  
• Turn on the VCR, and set its input selector to LINE. Load a blank cassette,  
and put the VCR in record pause mode.  
• See your TV and VCR instruction manuals for details.  
3. Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to PLAY (VCR), and move  
the camcorder’s TAPE/CARD switch to TAPE.  
4. Load your recorded cassette.  
Editing  
1. Find a point on your recorded cassette slightly before the section  
you want to copy.  
2. Start to play it back while you monitor the picture on the TV.  
3. Start recording on the VCR as soon as the section you want to copy  
appears on the screen.  
4. Pause the VCR at the end of the section you want to copy, then stop  
playback on the camcorder.  
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 until your edited recording is complete.  
Note:  
• The quality of the edited tape will be slightly lower than that of the original.  
m (LANC) terminal  
The m terminal allows you to connect  
the camcorder to equipment. Some  
buttons on editing equipment may  
operate differently from those on the  
camcorder.  
Notes:  
m (LANC) is a trademark. It stands for Local Application Control Bus System.  
• We cannot guarantee the results when connecting to equipment not bearing the  
LANC m symbol.  
85  
Dubbing to/from a Cassette with Digital Video Equipment  
Digital video equipment fitted with the DV terminal lets you edit, copy and  
transfer data digitally, with virtually no generation loss in image and sound  
quality. The DV terminal is for both line-in and line-out, since a single DV cable  
can handle data in both directions.  
E
• If a digital VCR is connected and an anomalous signal is sent from the VCR,  
the images recorded on the tape may also be anomalous (although it may not  
appear so on the TV image), or not recorded at all.  
You are unable to dub tapes recorded with the copyright protective signal.  
REC SEARCH  
: Signal flow  
CARD  
MIX/  
SLIDE SHOW  
INDEX  
SCREEN  
REC  
SEARCH  
SELECT  
PAUSE  
ZERO SET  
MEMORY  
REW  
/  
PLAY  
STOP  
SLOW  
FF  
AUDIO  
DUB.  
+ /  
AV  
PAUSE  
×2  
INSERT  
Side with arrow  
Side with arrow  
Preparations  
Example dubbing to the camcorder  
1. Connect the camcorder and the other digital device.  
• Connect the Canon CV-150F DV cable (optional) with the sides of the plugs  
marked with the arrows facing as shown above.  
2. Prepare the other device.  
• Turn on the power and load a recorded cassette.  
3. Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to PLAY (VCR), and move  
the camcorder’s TAPE/CARD switch to TAPE.  
• DV IN appears in the display.  
4. Load a blank cassette.  
86  
Dubbing  
E
1. Find a point on your recorded cassette slightly before the section  
you want to copy and set it to playback pause mode.  
2. Press the camcorder’s REC PAUSE button.  
• The camcorder enters record pause mode.  
3. Start playback on the other digital device while you monitor the  
picture.  
4. Press the pause button.  
• Recording starts.  
5. When you get to the point where you want to stop recording, press  
the stop button or the pause button.  
• Recording stops.  
6. Stop playback on the other device.  
Notes:  
• Blanks between recordings on the playback tape are recorded as anomalous  
images on the tape that is being recorded to.  
• When playing back a tape recorded in  
SP or  
LP mode with the  
camcorder, you cannot record correctly with other digital devices not equipped  
with that mode.  
Copyright signal  
Certain pre-recorded software tapes are copyright protected. If you try to play  
back such a cassette, “COPYRIGHT PROTECTED PLAYBACK IS  
RESTRICTED” appears in the display for a few seconds and then the camcorder  
displays a blank blue screen; you cannot view the contents of the cassette.  
If you try to record from such a tape via the digital cable “COPYRIGHT  
PROTECTED DUBBING RESTRICTED” appears in the display; you cannot  
record the contents of the tape.  
87  
Recording from a VCR, TV or Analog Camcorder (Analog Line-in)  
You can record a video played on your VCR or analog camcorder (for digital  
camcorders, see p. 86) or a TV program onto a tape in the OPTURA100 MC, if  
the TV or other device has audio/video outputs.  
E
• If an anomalous signal is sent from the TV or VCR, the images recorded on the  
tape may also be anomalous (although it may not appear so on the TV image),  
not recorded at all, or COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DUBBING RESTRICTED  
may appear in the display.  
You are unable to dub tapes recorded with the copyright protective signal.  
REC SEARCH  
CARD  
MIX/  
: Signal flow  
SLIDE SHOW  
INDEX  
SCREEN  
S
IN/OUT  
OUTPUT  
S-150 S-video Cable  
S(S1)-VIDEO  
VIDEO  
DV  
IN/OUT  
AUDIO  
L
CHARGE  
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable  
R
AV  
DC IN 9.5V  
IN/OUT  
Preparations  
Example recording from a VCR  
1. Connect the camcorder to the VCR.  
2. Prepare the device.  
• Set the TV/Video selector on the television to Video. For further details, see  
“Connections for Playback on a TV Screen” on p. 32.  
• Turn on the VCR. Load your recorded cassette, and put the VCR in playback  
pause mode.  
• See your TV and VCR instruction manuals for details.  
3. Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to PLAY (VCR), and move  
the camcorder’s TAPE/CARD switch to TAPE.  
4. Load a blank cassette.  
88  
Dubbing  
E
1. Find a point on your recorded cassette slightly before the section  
you want to copy and set it to playback pause mode.  
2. Press the REC PAUSE button.  
• S-video and AV IN/OUT terminals work as input terminals.  
• The camcorder enters record pause mode.  
3. Start playback on the other device or turn on the TV to see the  
desired program while you monitor the picture.  
4. Press the pause button.  
• Recording starts.  
5. When you get to the point where you want to stop recording, press  
the stop button or the pause button.  
• Recording stops.  
6. Stop playback on the other device.  
Note:  
You can monitor the picture in the viewfinder or LCD.  
89  
Recording Over Existing Scenes (AV Insert Editing)  
You can insert new scenes from your VCR or other camcorder onto your pre-  
recorded tape using the OPTURA100 MC’s analog line-in or DV in terminals.  
Original video and audio will be replaced with the new video and audio.  
Scene to be inserted  
E
The playback tape  
Insert start point  
Insert end point  
Before inserting  
The tape in the  
camcorder  
After inserting  
The tape in the  
camcorder  
The video and audio of the new scene replace that of the old.  
: Signal flow  
S
IN/OUT  
OUTPUT  
S-150 S-video Cable  
S(S1)-VIDEO  
VIDEO  
DV  
AUDIO  
L
IN/OUT  
CHARGE  
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable  
R
AV  
DC IN 9.5V  
IN/OUT  
ZERO SET  
SEARCH  
MEMORY SELECT  
AUDIO  
REW  
– /  
PLAY  
STOP  
SLOW  
FF  
+ /  
DUB.  
AV  
INSERT  
PAUSE  
¥2  
REMOTE SET  
Side with arrow  
Side with arrow  
90  
Preparations  
E
The tape in the camcorder:  
When using the OPTURA100 MCs AV insert function, only record to tapes  
recorded in SP mode.  
If there are non-recorded portions or portions recorded in a mode other than SP  
mode on the tape, recording will stop.  
The playback tape:  
Use only tapes without non-recorded portions.  
If there are non-recorded portions or changes in the recording mode, you may not  
be able to insert AV correctly.  
You cannot insert AV in the following cases:  
The playback tape has been poorly recorded.  
During special playback: fast forward playback, rewind playback or slow  
playback etc. (analog only).  
TV:  
You cannot insert AV from a TV program with anomalous synchronized signals,  
such as when the program itself received poor signals.  
Example recording from a VCR  
1. Connect the camcorder to the VCR.  
2. Prepare the VCR and TV.  
Set the TV/Video selector on the television to Video. For further details, see  
Connections for Playback on a TV Screenon p. 32.  
Turn on the VCR and load a recorded cassette.  
See your TV and VCR instruction manuals for details.  
3. Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to PLAY (VCR) and load a  
recorded cassette.  
Make sure the REC/SAVE tab on the cassette has been slid to REC (closed  
position).  
4. Move the camcorder’s TAPE/CARD switch to TAPE.  
91  
Editing  
E
1. On the VCR, locate a point 3 seconds before the scene to be  
inserted. Set the VCR to playback pause mode.  
2. On the camcorder, press PLAY and locate the recording start  
point. Set the camcorder to playback pause mode.  
You can use the playback buttons on the body of the camcorder or the  
special playback functions on the wireless controller in the same way as in  
playback mode.  
3. Press the AV INSERT button.  
AV INSERT and 2a appear in the display.  
4. Play back the cassette in the VCR.  
5. To start inserting, press the PAUSE button on the camcorder.  
2a changes to 2.  
6. To stop inserting, press the STOP button on the camcorder.  
Inserting stops and AV INSERT disappears from the display. The camcorder  
returns to stop mode.  
If instead of pressing STOP you press PAUSE, the camcorder returns to the  
AV insert pause mode.  
If you set the zero set memory at the position on the tape where you want to  
stop inserting, every time you return to that point, the camcorder will cancel  
its AV inserting and enter stop mode.  
7. Stop playback on the VCR.  
92  
Audio Dubbing  
You can add sound to the original sound on a pre-recorded tape from audio  
products (AUDIO IN) or with the internal or external microphone (MIC. IN). The  
original sound will not be erased. For best results, add sound to tapes that have  
been recorded with this camcorder in SP mode with 12-bit sound. If there are  
non-recorded portions on the tape, or portions recorded in a mode other than SP  
mode, or with 16-bit or 12-bit, 4-channel sound, dubbing will stop. If your tape  
hasnt been recorded in SP mode with 12-bit sound, we recommend dubbing your  
original tape onto a blank tape using the OPTURA100 MCs analog line-in  
function, then dubbing audio onto the new tape. Make absolutely sure to set the  
audio mode of the new tape to 12-bit and the recording mode to SP.  
E
To connect other audio equipment:  
: Signal flow  
OUTPUT  
DV  
STV-250N  
Stereo Video Cable  
AUDIO  
An audio device  
(i. e. CD player)  
IN/OUT  
L
CHARGE  
AV  
R
DC IN 9.5V  
IN/OUT  
Notes:  
Do not use the yellow video terminal.  
The AV terminal doesnt put out any video, so connect the S-video terminals  
and check your TV, or check the LCD or the viewfinder as you add new sound.  
Always check the new sound with the speaker or the headphones.  
To connect an external microphone:  
93  
Notes:  
E
When using an external microphone \ Connect it to the microphone  
terminal.  
When using the DM-50 microphone \ Make sure nothing is connected to  
the microphone terminal.  
When using the built-in microphone \ Make sure nothing is connected to  
either the microphone terminal or the  
accessory shoe.  
To use your TV to monitor video, connect the S-video terminal ( 32) or the  
AV terminal (use only the video plug) to your TV. You can monitor the sound  
with headphones ( 31).  
Preparations  
Turn the camcorders POWER switch to PLAY (VCR) and move the camcorders  
TAPE/CARD switch to TAPE. Load a recorded cassette.  
Make sure the REC/SAVE tab on the cassette has been slid to REC (closed  
position).  
Dubbing  
ZERO SET  
SEARCH  
MEMORY SELECT  
AUDIO  
DUB.  
REW  
/  
PLAY  
STOP  
SLOW  
FF  
AV  
+ /  
INSERT  
PAUSE  
×2  
REMOTE SET  
Do not connect/disconnect any cables to/from the camcorder when dubbing audio  
or preparing to dub audio.  
PLAY  
TAPE  
+
(VCR)  
VCR SET UP  
AUDIO DUB.••AUDIO IN  
(
37)  
1. Open the menu and select VCR SET UP.  
2. Select AUDIO DUB.  
3. Select AUDIO IN or MIC. IN and close the menu.  
94  
4. Locate the point where you want to start audio dubbing, then press  
the PAUSE button.  
E
You can use the playback buttons on the body of the camcorder or the special  
playback functions on the wireless controller in the same way as in playback  
mode.  
The camcorder becomes set to playback pause mode.  
5. Press AUDIO DUB.  
AUDIO DUB. and  
appear on the display.  
If you have the DM-50 microphone (optional) attached,  
(Connection)  
C
appears in the display.  
6. Press the PAUSE button (and start play on the other audio device  
if AUDIO IN).  
Audio dubbing starts.  
If MIC. IN, direct your voice into the microphone.  
changes to  
.
7. When you get to the point where you want to stop dubbing, press  
the STOP button (and then stop play on the other audio device if  
AUDIO IN).  
Audio dubbing stops and AUDIO DUB. disappears from the display.  
The camcorder returns to stop mode.  
You can also set zero set memory ( 84) at the place you want to stop  
audio dubbing, then every time you return to that position, audio dubbing  
will cancel.  
If instead of pressing STOP you press PAUSE, the camcorder will return to  
the playback pause mode.  
Notes:  
You cannot use the DV terminal while adding sound.  
You might want to adjust the audio mix ( 96) when playing back a tape with  
added sound.  
There may be a loss of sound quality if you add sound to a tape recorded on a  
camcorder other than the OPTURA100 MC.  
After adding sound 3 or more times to the same place on a tape, there may be  
some loss in sound quality.  
95  
Setting the Audio Mix  
E
BAMLAINXCE  
AUDIO  
MONITOR ST-1  
ST-2  
When you play back a tape that was recorded in 12-bit mode, you can set the  
audio output to play: stereo 1 (the original sound), stereo 2 (any new sound,  
dubbed to the tape after recording), or mix the balance between the two.  
Audio from the 16-bit mode only contains stereo 1 sound and so you cannot/do  
not need to select the audio mix. The same is true for the 12-bit stereo 1 mode,  
unless new sound has been added post-recording.  
PLAY  
TAPE  
+
(VCR)  
Choose the output.  
Press AUDIO MONITOR on the wireless controller.  
Starting with the last selected setting, 4 settings appear as you push the  
button:  
STEREO1 for just stereo 1.  
STEREO2 for just stereo 2.  
MIX/FIXED for an equal mix of stereo 1 and 2.  
MIX/VARI. (mix variable) for when you want to mix the balance between  
stereo 1 and 2.  
To simply choose STEREO1, STEREO2 or MIX/FIXED, make sure your  
choice appears on the display.  
If you choose MIX/VARI., you can go on to mix the balance.  
Use the ST-1/ST-2 keys to mix the balance. A bar showing the mix appears  
on the screen for 4 seconds.  
Note:  
When you have chosen the output, STEREO1, STEREO2, MIX/FIXED or  
MIX/VARI. is shown in the top left of the display for a few seconds. If you turn  
the power off the output is set to STEREO1.  
96  
Selecting audio output channels  
E
When you play back a tape whose audio has been recorded on multiple channels,  
you can change the output channels of that sound.  
PLAY  
TAPE  
+
(VCR)  
VCR SET UP  
OUTPUT CH•••L/R  
(
37)  
1. Load a tape recorded with multiple-channel audio.  
2. Open the menu and select VCR SET UP. Then select OUTPUT CH,  
set it to the desired setting and close the menu.  
Refer to the following list.  
OUTPUT CH setting  
Played back sound  
Tape recorded with  
stereo sound  
Tape recorded on  
multiple channels  
L/R  
L/L  
R/R  
L+R channels  
L channel only  
R channel only  
main + sub  
main only  
sub only  
97  
Connecting to a PC  
By using a DV cable and connecting the camcorder to a PC equipped with a DV  
terminal conforming to IEEE 1394/DV compatible capture board, you can transfer  
images taken with the camcorder to your PC.  
E
While connected, it is recommended that you power your camcorder from a  
household power socket using the power adapter.  
Turn off the power of both the camcorder and the PC before connecting.  
Optional software necessary.  
DV  
IN/OUT  
DV Cable (commercially available)  
Notes:  
Operation may not work correctly, depending on the software you are using,  
and the specifications of your PC and its settings.  
See your PC instruction manual for details.  
98  
Memory Card Introduction  
The camcorder can take, store and manage still images on 2 types of memory  
cards: the MultiMediaCard (supplied with the camcorder) or an SD Memory Card  
(commercially available). The MultiMediaCard is an ultra-small, ultra-light media  
that can record still images. About the same size as a MultiMediaCard, the SD  
(Secure Digital) Memory Card has the protect switch to protect your recording  
from accidental erasure, and fits into the same slot as the MultiMediaCard.  
E
You can do the following with a memory  
card:  
MultiMediaCard MMC-8M  
Front Back  
• Record still images ( 103)  
• View still images 3 ways: Single  
Terminals  
(
107), Slide show ( 108),  
Index screen ( 108)  
• Select the quality of images ( 100)  
and the image resolution ( 101)  
recorded on the card  
• Protect important images against accidental erasure, print mark and erase still  
images ( 109-116)  
• Create interesting effects by combining images ( 117)  
• Record a still image from a cassette ( 105)  
• Copy multiple still images automatically to and from a cassette ( 120, 121)  
You can use most of the camcorder’s functions when recording to a memory card,  
such as the various recording programs ( 56), self-timer ( 69), shutter speed  
(
75), white balance ( 78) and other manual adjustments. Available functions  
PLAY  
are marked with the  
+
or  
+
icons.  
(VCR)  
CARD  
CAMERA  
CARD  
2 If you use memory cards other than the supplied one, make sure to format  
them with the camcorder.  
Important  
• Inserting or removing the memory card without first setting the POWER  
switch to OFF can result in data damage.  
• This camcorder uses only MultiMediaCards or SD Memory Cards(  
You cannot use any other types of memory cards.  
*).  
*
logo is a trademark.  
99  
Inserting and removing the memory card  
E
MultiMedia  
8M  
MR  
MultiMediaCard  
MMC-8M  
MR  
1. Turn the POWER switch to OFF.  
2. Open the memory card compartment cover in the direction of the  
arrow.  
3. Insert or remove the memory card.  
• Push the memory card all the way in.  
• Remove the memory card by pushing the card in and letting it spring out.  
Do not attempt to pull the memory card out without first pushing it in.  
4. Close the cover.  
Notes:  
• When you set the camcorder to CARD PLAY (VCR) mode, the last image  
recorded appears. If there are no images recorded on the memory card, NO  
IMAGES appears in the display.  
• Do not touch the memory card terminals.  
Selecting the recording image quality  
Select the quality of a still image to be recorded.  
PLAY  
TAPE  
CARD  
CAMERA  
+
+
(VCR)  
,
CARD SET UP  
QUALITY•••••STANDARD  
(
37)  
To change the image quality, open the menu and select CARD SET  
UP. Then select QUALITY, set it to FINE and close the menu.  
100  
Notes:  
E
• Depending on the image you are recording, sometimes there will be no  
difference in image quality between settings.  
• Images are compressed and recorded in the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts  
Group) format.  
• The number of images that can still be recorded on a memory card may  
sometimes decrease by 2 images at once.  
• Refer to p. 149 for the memory card displays.  
Selecting the recording image resolution  
Select the image resolution of still images to be recorded.  
CARD  
CAMERA  
+
CARD SET UP  
IMAGE RES.••1280× 960  
(
37)  
To change the image resolution to 640 × 480, open the menu and select  
CARD SET UP. Then select IMAGE RES., set it to 640 × 480 and  
close the menu.  
Notes:  
• The number of pixels is 640 × 480 and 1280 × 960 in both STANDARD and  
FINE.  
Image resolution  
1280 × 960  
640 × 480  
Image quality  
Standard  
Fine  
Approx. 32 images  
Approx. 17 images  
Approx. 106 images  
Approx. 61 images  
* These figures are approximate, number of images per 8MB MMC. The actual  
number you will be able to record varies depending on the images. Remember  
that the sample images already recorded on the supplied MultiMediaCard are  
included in the total number.  
• When still images are recorded at an image size of 1280 × 960 on your  
camcorder, images are sometimes not played back properly on other digital  
devices that do not support recording at an image size of 1280 × 960.  
101  
File numbers  
E
The images you take are automatically assigned file numbers from 0101-9900 and  
stored in folders of 100 images each. Each folder is numbered from 101 to 998  
and recorded on the memory card. Sample images have been pre-recorded on the  
supplied MultiMediaCard, entering folder number 100 (folder name is  
“100canon”).  
Set the image file numbers so that they reset each time a new memory card is  
inserted, or so that they count up continuously.  
1 CONTINUOUS  
Numbering is continuous between cards, so that  
Three images are  
recorded on the card.  
the first file number assigned on a new memory  
card is 1 more than the last file number assigned  
on the previous memory card. When the file  
numbers are set to CONTINUOUS, each image  
101-0101  
101  
101-0102  
101-0103  
When you change the  
card and take a picture.  
taken is assigned a different number, avoiding  
1
2
duplication of numbers. This is convenient  
when you want to manage your images on a PC.  
We recommend keeping the file numbers set to  
CONTINUOUS.  
101-0104  
101-0101  
101  
101  
2 RESET  
Each time you insert a new memory card, the file number resets to its default  
value (101-0101). If the card already contains files, the next available number is  
assigned.  
PLAY  
TAPE  
CARD  
CAMERA  
+
+
(VCR)  
,
CARD SET UP  
FILE NOS.•••CONTINUOUS  
(
37)  
To change the file numbering, open the menu and select CARD SET  
UP. Then select FILE NOS., set it to RESET and close the menu.  
Turn off the shutter sound  
CARD  
CAMERA  
+
Makes the sound of a shutter being released when a still image is recorded to a  
memory card.  
CARD SET UP  
SHTR SOUND••ON  
(
37)  
To turn the shutter sound off, open the menu and select CARD SET  
UP. Then select SHTR SOUND, set it to OFF and close the menu.  
102  
Recording Still Images to a Memory Card  
E
3
1
PHOTO  
V
4
2
PHOTO  
The camcorder is equipped with a mechanical shutter so that you can record vivid  
still images onto a memory card (Progressive Photo function). You can also  
record onto a memory card images from a tape in the camcorder, or images input  
through the DV in terminal.  
• Moving pictures cannot be recorded onto a memory card.  
• Images input through the AV in terminal cannot be recorded onto a memory  
card.  
Back  
• Memory cards cannot record audio.  
• If you are using an SD Memory Card, make  
sure the protect switch is set to allow recording.  
• To record still images using the built-in flash,  
Protect switch  
refer to “Using the Built-in Flash” on p. 53.  
Make sure a memory card that has enough  
memory available is inserted into the camcorder.  
While the card access indicator flashes, do not disconnect the power source.  
Doing so could result in data damage.  
1. Press the small green button on the POWER switch and hold, turn  
the POWER switch to CAMERA.  
2. Move the TAPE/CARD switch to CARD.  
• The number of images that can still be recorded on the memory card, and  
other information appear in the display.  
• The camcorder will turn itself off if you are using a battery and do not  
operate the camcorder for more than about 5 minutes. Set the POWER  
switch to OFF and then back to CAMERA.  
3. Press the PHOTO button halfway and hold it.  
• Exposure is locked.  
• During autofocus flashes white in the display as the camcorder adjust the  
F
focus and it is displayed continuously as a green mark when the camcorder  
is ready to take the still image.  
103  
4. Press the PHOTO button fully down to record the still picture.  
disappears from the display. The shutter sound sounds and simultaneously  
F
E
the display appears to close for an instant as if it were a shutter releasing.  
• While the camcorder is recording the still image, the card access indicator  
flashes and RECORDING TO CARD flashes in the display.  
Notes:  
• To use the self-timer ( 69), press the  
the PHOTO button fully down.  
button before step 3, and then press  
• The wireless controller’s PHOTO button has no half-way setting. Press the  
button fully and the camcorder immediately takes the image.  
• When the POWER switch is set to CAMERA and the TAPE/CARD switch is  
moved from TAPE to CARD, the camcorder modifies the image for appropriate  
recording onto a memory card.  
• When the TAPE/CARD switch is operated with the POWER switch set to  
CAMERA, the subject size changes slightly.  
• When the subject is too bright (overexposure) in CARD CAMERA mode,  
OVEREXP. will flash in the display.We recommend that you use the ND filter  
supplied with the optional FS-43U Filter Set. (However, you can continue  
recording.) When exposure is locked, OVEREXP. does not appear.  
The indicators that appear in the display when recording to a memory card:  
Image quality (  
100)  
Image stabilizer  
55)  
(
STD  
50  
1280  
>>>>  
Number of images that can  
still be recorded on the  
Backup battery  
130)  
memory card (  
103)  
(
Remaining battery power  
129)  
(
104  
Recording an Image from a Cassette as a Still Image  
2
1
E
PHOTO  
3
PHOTO  
Record an image from a cassette onto a memory card. To automatically record  
multiple still images from a cassette to a memory card, refer to “Copying Still  
Images from a Cassette” on p.120.  
• A still image recorded to a tape is recorded at an image size of 640 × 480 onto a  
memory card.  
• The still image’s data code will reflect the date and time it is recorded to the  
memory card.  
Cassette  
Press the PHOTO  
button fully down  
Memory card  
PLAY  
TAPE  
+
(VCR)  
1. Play back the cassette.  
2. When the image you want to record appears in the display, press  
the PHOTO button halfway down and hold it.  
• The tape is set to playback pause mode and the number of images that can  
still be recorded on the memory card appears in the display.  
3. Press the PHOTO button fully down to record the image to the  
memory card.  
• The card access indicator flashes.  
Notes:  
You can also set the cassette to playback pause mode in step 1 and record the  
image with only 1 full press of the PHOTO button.  
• If you record an image onto a memory card that was originally recorded in the  
16:9 mode for wide screen TV’s, the image will appear to be vertically  
“squashed” (compressed).  
• The shutter sound doesn’t sound in TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode.  
105  
Recording from Another DV Device as a Still Image  
Record images input through the DV in terminal onto the memory card as still  
images.  
E
• A still image input through the DV in terminal is recorded at an image size of  
640 × 480 onto a memory card.  
• The still image’s data code will reflect the date and time it is recorded to the  
memory card.  
: Signal flow  
PHOTO  
PHOTO  
Side with arrow  
Side with arrow  
Preparations  
1. Connect the camcorder to the other digital device.  
• Connect the Canon CV-150F DV cable (optional) with the sides of the plugs  
marked with the arrows facing as shown above.  
2. Prepare the other device.  
• Turn on the power and load a recorded cassette.  
3. Load a memory card. Turn the camcorder’s POWER switch to  
PLAY (VCR).  
4. Move the TAPE/CARD switch to TAPE.  
• DV IN appears in the display.  
• If you have a cassette inserted, make sure it is in stop mode.  
Recording  
1. Start playback on the other device.  
2. When the image you want to record appears in the display, press  
the PHOTO button halfway down and hold it.  
• The image appears as a still image in the display.  
• The number of images that can still be recorded on the memory card  
appears in the display.  
3. Press the PHOTO button fully down to record the image to the  
memory card.  
• The card access indicator flashes.  
Notes:  
• If you record an image onto a memory card that was originally recorded in the  
16:9 mode for wide screen TV’s, the image will appear to be vertically  
“squashed” (compressed).  
106 • The shutter sound doesn’t sound in TAPE PLAY (VCR) mode.  
Viewing Still Images  
E
REC SEARCH  
CARD  
SLIDE  
SHOW  
MIX/  
CARD  
SLIDE SHOW  
INDEX  
SCREEN  
Play back and view still images recorded on a memory card. (For details on  
connecting to a TV, see “Connections for Playback on a TV Screen” on p. 32)  
• The camcorder may not be able to copy or play, etc., images recorded on a non-  
Canon camcorder.  
Do not change the data recorded on a memory card.  
You may not be able to play back the following still images correctly on this  
camcorder:  
Still images that have not been recorded with this camcorder but downloaded  
from a PC (excluding the sample images on p. 124-125)  
Still images that have been recorded with this camcorder but have subsequently  
been enhanced on a PC  
Still images whose image file names have been changed on a PC  
There are 3 ways to view still images:  
• Single image  
• Slide show:  
One after the other automatically in order of recording  
• Index screen: Six images at once  
When the camcorder is in playback pause mode, you can use card jump function  
to move quickly through still images recorded anywhere on a memory card to  
find a still image you want to view (Card Jump function).  
Make sure a memory card that has images recorded on it is inserted into the  
camcorder.  
While the card access indicator flashes, do not disconnect the power source.  
Doing so could result in data damage.  
2
Single Image  
1. Turn the POWER switch to PLAY (VCR).  
2. Move the TAPE/CARD switch to CARD.  
• The last image recorded appears in the display.  
3. Search for the desired still image by pressing the CARD +/– buttons.  
• Press + to view the next image and – to view the previous image.  
• Pressing + at the last image will take you to the first image. Pressing – at  
the first image will take you to the last image.  
107  
2
Card Jump Function  
You can jump from the current image to the desired image of unadjacent image  
number without displaying the images one by one.  
E
The numbers shown in the upper right in CARD PLAY (VCR) mode indicate the image  
number of the current still image / total number of still images on the memory card.  
PLAY  
CARD  
+
(VCR)  
With an image in the display, press and hold the CARD +/– button.  
• Press the + button to jump through the images forwards and press the – button  
to jump backwards.  
• The image number moves forwards or backwards.  
• When you release the button, the still image, to which the currently shown  
number is assigned, appears in the display.  
2
Slide Show  
PLAY  
CARD  
+
(VCR)  
With an image in the display, press the SLIDE SHOW button.  
• The images are played back one after another.  
To stop the slide show, press the SLIDE SHOW button.  
• The slide show starts or stops each time you press the SLIDE SHOW button.  
2
Index Screen  
Up to 6 images appear at once so you can search  
INDEX  
101–0143  
43/50  
quickly for an image.  
PLAY  
CARD  
+
(VCR)  
1. With an image in the display, press the  
INDEX SCREEN button.  
SEL.INDEXEND  
• Up to 6 images appear in the display.  
2. Move the  
mark to the image you want to view.  
• Turn the selector dial downwards to go to the previous image and upwards  
to go to the next image.  
• Turning the dial upwards at the last image will take you to the next index  
screen. Turning the dial downwards at the first image will take you to the  
previous index screen.  
• Jump to the next/previous index screen with the CARD +/– buttons.  
3. Press the INDEX SCREEN button.  
• The image you have marked fills the whole display.  
108  
Settings of the Still Image Recorded to a Memory Card  
E
CARD  
PUSH/SELECT  
Immediately after you have recorded a still image to a memory card, you can  
check the image without switching the operation mode by the POWER switch.  
(CARD PHOTO REVIEW)  
You can also easily erase unwanted images while viewing still images recorded to  
memory card, protect images from accidental erasure, or mark an image for  
printing. (File Operation)  
• Card Photo Review is set in CARD CAMERA mode and File Operation is set  
in CARD PLAY (VCR) mode.  
G Preventing Accidental Erasure (Protect  
)
Select important images and protect them from accidental erasure.  
• If a memory card is formatted, however, all images, including protected images,  
will be permanently erased.  
• The pre-recorded sample images provided on the supplied MultiMediaCard are  
already protected.  
There are 3 ways to protect a still image (including the ways to cancel the  
setting).  
CARD  
CARD  
CARD  
CAMERA  
1.  
2.  
3.  
+
+
+
CARD PHOTO REVIEW menu ( 110)  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
SINGLE  
File Operation menu  
(
111)  
(
PLAY  
(VCR)  
INDEX  
Card Operations submenu  
112)  
G Marking a Still Image for Printing (Print Mark  
)
An image on a memory card must be marked before it can be printed. The  
camcorder supports the DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) print format.  
Images can be automatically printed on a DPOF-supporting Canon printer. Up to  
50 images per memory card can be print marked.  
There are 3 ways to mark a still image for printing (including the ways to cancel  
the setting).  
To mark an image for printing or erase print marks one at a time  
PLAY  
SINGLE  
CARD  
1.  
2.  
+
+
File Operation menu  
(
111)  
(
(VCR)  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
INDEX  
CARD  
Card Operations submenu  
113)  
114)  
To erase all print marks  
PLAY  
SINGLE  
CARD  
3.  
+
Card Operations submenu  
(
(VCR)  
109  
G Erasing Still Images  
Erase images singly or all at once.  
E
You cannot erase protected images. Cancel image protection first in order to  
erase an image.  
• Erase images with caution. Once an image has been erased it cannot be  
restored.  
There are 3 ways to erase a single image.  
To erase images one at a time  
CARD  
1.  
2.  
+
+
CAMERA  
CARD PHOTO REVIEW menu ( 110)  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
SINGLE  
CARD  
File Operation menu  
(
111)  
To erase images one at a time or erase all images on the memory card at once  
PLAY  
SINGLE  
CARD  
3.  
+
Card Operations submenu  
(
115)  
(VCR)  
SINGLE  
INDEX  
: When playing back an image in CARD PLAY (VCR) mode  
: When displaying an index screen in CARD PLAY (VCR) mode  
CARD PHOTO REVIEW  
CARD  
CAMERA  
+
1. During/after recoding a still image, press the CARD  
open the CARD PHOTO REVIEW menu.  
-
button to  
• If you press the button after recording a still image, the last image recorded  
appears in the display.  
• If you press the button while recording a stilll image, the menu appears  
immediately.  
• PROTECT  
, IMAGE ERASE settings appear.  
• If you select |RETURN, the still image disappears.  
To protect an image  
2. Select PROTECT  
and press the selector dial in.  
• The  
protect mark appears on the image.  
• Now you are unable to erase this image.  
• Press the selector dial again to cancel it.  
• If you select |RETURN, the still image disappears.  
To erase an image  
2. Select IMAGE ERASE and press the selector dial in.  
• ERASE THIS IMAGE? NO YES appears in the display.  
3. Select YES and press the selector dial in.  
• The image is erased.  
110  
File Operation (FILE OPER.)  
E
PLAY  
CARD  
+
(VCR)  
1. With an image in the display, press the selector dial in to open the  
FILE OPER. menu.  
• PROTECT  
, PRINT MARK  
, and IMAGE ERASE settings appear.  
• If you select |RETURN, the menu disappears from the display.  
To protect an image  
2. Select PROTECT  
and press the selector dial in.  
• The  
protect mark appears on the image.  
• Now you are unable to erase this image.  
• Press the selector dial again to cancel it.  
• If you select |RETURN, the menu disappears from the display.  
• To cancel image protection, select PROTECT  
and press the selector dial  
in. disappears and now you can erase this image.  
To mark a image for Printing (Print Mark)  
2. Select PRINT MARK  
and press the selector dial in.  
• The  
print mark appears on the image.  
• Press the selector dial again to cancel it.  
• If you select |RETURN, the menu disappears from the display.  
• To cancel a print mark, select PRINT MARK  
in. disappears.  
and press the selector dial  
To erase the image  
2. Select IMAGE ERASE and press the selector dial in.  
• ERASE THIS IMAGE? NO YES appears in the display.  
• If you select |RETURN, the menu disappears from the display.  
3. Select YES and press the selector dial in.  
• The image is erased.  
• One image before the erased image appears.  
111  
Preventing Accidental Erasure (Protect)  
E
PUSH/SELECT  
REC SEARCH  
SLIDE  
SHOW  
CARD  
CARD  
MIX/  
SLIDE SHOW  
INDEX  
SCREEN  
This section describes how to protect the still image from the Card Operation  
submenu when displaying an index screen in CARD PLAY (VCR) mode  
(including the way to cancel the setting).  
You can also protect a still image through CARD PHOTO REVIEW ( 110) or  
File Operation menu ( 111).  
Protecting an image while viewing an index screen  
PLAY  
CARD  
+
(VCR)  
CARD OPER.  
PROTECT  
(
37)  
Make sure a memory card that has images recorded on it is inserted into the  
camcorder.  
1. With an image in the display, press the INDEX SCREEN button.  
• Up to 6 images appear in the display.  
• Move the  
108).  
mark to the image that you want to protect (Index Screen  
2. Open the menu and select CARD OPER.  
\
3. Select  
PROTECT  
.
4. Press the selector dial in.  
• The  
protect mark appears on the image.  
• Now you are unable to erase this image.  
• Press the selector dial again to cancel it.  
5. Close the menu.  
Note:  
• To cancel image protection, move the  
mark to the protected image and  
press the selector dial in. The  
protect mark disappears.  
112  
Marking a Still Image for Printing (Print Mark)  
E
PUSH/SELECT  
This section describes how to mark the still image for printing from Card  
Operation submenu in CARD PLAY (VCR) mode (including the way to cancel  
the setting).  
– When displaying an index screen, you can mark the image for printing.  
– When playing back a single image, you can erase all print marks.  
You can also mark a still image for printing through File Operation menu  
(
111).  
Marking an image for printing while viewing an index screen  
PLAY  
CARD  
+
(VCR)  
CARD OPER.  
PRINT MARK  
(
37)  
Make sure a memory card that has images recorded on it has been inserted into  
the camcorder.  
1. With an image in the display, press the INDEX SCREEN button.  
• Up to 6 images appear in the display.  
• Move the  
printing (Index Screen  
mark to the image that you want to mark an image for  
108).  
2. Open the menu and select CARD OPER.  
\
3. Select  
PRINT MARK  
.
4. Press the selector dial in.  
• The  
print mark appears next to the image.  
• Press the selector dial again to cancel it.  
5. Close the menu.  
Notes:  
• To cancel a print mark, move  
to the print-marked image and press the  
selector dial in. The  
print mark disappears.  
• If there are a large number of images recorded on the memory card, it may take  
time for a print mark to appear on an image.  
113  
Erasing all print marks  
E
PLAY  
CARD  
+
(VCR)  
CARD OPER.  
PRINT MARKS ALL ERASE  
(
37)  
Make sure a memory card that has images recorded on it has been inserted into  
the camcorder.  
1. With an image in the display, open the menu and select CARD  
OPER.  
2. Select PRINT MARKS  
ALL ERASE.  
• ERASE ALL PRINT MARKS ? YES NO appears in the display.  
3. Select YES.  
• The  
print mark disappears from the image.  
4. Close the menu.  
114  
Erasing Still Images  
E
PUSH/SELECT  
REC SEARCH  
SLIDE  
SHOW  
CARD  
CARD  
MIX/  
SLIDE SHOW  
INDEX  
SCREEN  
This section describes how to erase the still image from the Card Operation  
submenu when playing back a single image in CARD PLAY (VCR) mode.  
(SINGLE or ALL)  
You can also erase a still image through CARD PHOTO REVIEW ( 110) or  
File Operation menu ( 111).  
PLAY  
CARD  
+
(VCR)  
CARD OPER.  
IMAGE ERASE  
(
37)  
Make sure a memory card that has images recorded on it is inserted into the  
camcorder.  
To erase images one at a time  
1. Select the image you want to erase.  
• Use the index screen ( 108) or card jump function ( 108) if necessary  
and make sure the image you want to erase fills the display.  
• If you use the index screen, press the INDEX SCREEN button after  
selecting the image. The image you selected fills the whole display.  
2. Open the menu and select CARD OPER.  
3. Select IMAGE ERASE.  
• CANCEL, SINGLE and ALL settings appear.  
• To cancel erasing, select CANCEL and close the menu.  
4. Select SINGLE.  
• ERASE THIS IMAGE? NO YES appears in the display.  
5. Select YES.  
• The image erases and the previous image appears for erasing.  
• To erase another single image, move to that image with the CARD +/–  
buttons, and select YES.  
• If the image you are trying to erase is a protected image, YES appears in  
purple and is unselectable.  
• If you select NO, you return to step 4.  
6. Close the menu.  
115  
To erase all images on the memory card at once  
E
1. Open the menu and select CARD OPER.  
2. Select IMAGE ERASE.  
• CANCEL, SINGLE and ALL settings appear.  
• To cancel erasing, select CANCEL and close the menu.  
3. Select ALL.  
• ERASE ALL IMAGES? [EXCEPT FOR  
the display.  
IMAGES] NO YES appears in  
4. Select YES.  
• All images except the protected ones are erased.  
• If you select NO, you return to step 2.  
5. Close the menu.  
116  
Combining Images and Recording Them to a Cassette (Card Mix)  
Liven up your productions by superimposing one image on top of the other.  
Combine 2 still images or a still image and a moving image. Choose a still image  
from the memory card, either one of the pre-recorded sample images ( 124) or  
one you have recorded yourself, then combine it with the currently recording  
image, moving or still.  
E
Select from 3 types of Card Mix effects:  
CARD CHROMA (Card chroma key)  
The currently recording image appears in place of the blue area of a pre-recorded  
still image such as a picture frame. When recording your own still image for  
overlapping, make sure to record the area in which you want the new image to  
appear blue, with a blue curtain as a background, for example. Adjust the mix  
level in the blue area of the pre-recorded image.  
Image being recorded by the  
camcorder  
Still image  
CARD LUMI. (Card luminance key)  
The currently recording image appears in place of the light area of a still picture  
such as a handwritten illustration or title. Make your own by drawing or writing  
on a white piece of paper. Adjust the mix level in the light area of the still image.  
Still image  
Image being recorded by the  
camcorder  
117  
CAM. CHROMA (Camera chroma key)  
Superimpose the currently recording image on top of a still image, which  
becomes its background. Shoot the subject of the currently recording image  
against a blue background, such as a blue curtain. The original still image will  
appear in place of the blue area. Adjust the mix level in the blue area.  
E
Image being recorded by the  
camcorder  
Still image  
Mix level  
The mix level bar appears. Adjust the mix level using the – and + at the ends of  
the bar as guides.  
PUSH/SELECT  
REC SEARCH  
CARD  
MIX/  
SLIDE SHOW  
INDEX  
SCREEN  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
+
MIX LEVEL•••  
+
CARD MIX  
MIX TYPE••••CARD CHROMA  
(
37)  
Make sure a memory card that has images recorded on it and a cassette have been  
inserted into the camcorder.  
Make sure the program selector is set to  
Select  
.
Q
\
1. Open the menu and select CARD MIX.  
2. Press the CARD +/– buttons to select the still image to be  
combined.  
3. Select MIX TYPE.  
• CARD CHROMA, CARD LUMI., CAM. CHROMA settings appear.  
118  
4. Select the desired setting.  
Your currently recording image is combined with the pre-recorded still  
image.  
E
5. Select MIX LEVEL.  
6. Adjust the mix level.  
• Turning the selector dial upwards adjusts to the right and turning  
downwards adjusts to the left.  
7. Close the menu.  
• CARD MIX flashes in the display.  
On/Off  
8. Press the card MIX button.  
• CARD MIX stops flashing.  
Your currently recording image is combined with the pre-recorded still  
image.  
• Each time you press the card MIX button, your selection is activated  
(display lights continuously) or deactivated (display flashes).  
For movies  
1. Press the start/stop button to start and stop recording.  
• The combined images are recorded onto the cassette.  
For stills  
1. Press the PHOTO button halfway down and hold it.  
F flashes white in the display as the camcorder adjusts the focus and it is  
displayed continuously as a green mark when the camcorder is ready to take  
the image.  
2. Press the PHOTO button fully down to record the image to the  
cassette.  
F disappears from the display.  
• The combined images are recorded onto the cassette for approximately 6  
seconds (8 seconds in the SP or LP recording mode).  
Notes:  
• If you change the position of the POWER switch, select your still image for  
Card Mix again.  
• When setting Card Mix, you must carry out steps 1 to 4.  
119  
Copying Still Images from a Cassette  
E
PUSH/SELECT  
REC SEARCH  
CARD  
MIX/  
SLIDE SHOW  
INDEX  
SCREEN  
Copies multiple still images from a tape to the memory card, using the Photo  
Search function.  
• A still image recorded to a tape is recorded onto a memory card at an image  
size of 640 × 480.  
• The still images data codes will reflect the date and time the copies are made.  
PLAY  
TAPE  
+
(VCR)  
[
COPY  
]
CARD OPER.  
(
37)  
Make sure a memory card that has enough memory available and a recorded  
cassette have been inserted into the camcorder.  
1. Locate the first still image on the cassette that you want to copy  
and stop the cassette at a point before that image.  
• All the still images on the cassette after that point will be copied onto the  
memory card.  
• If you want to copy all the images on a cassette, rewind the cassette to the  
beginning.  
2. Open the menu and select CARD OPER.  
[
]
3. Select COPY  
.
• CANCEL and EXECUTE settings appear.  
4. Select EXECUTE.  
• Select CANCEL to stop copying.  
• Cassette and card information appear in the display and copying starts.  
[
]
• NOW COPYING  
appears in the display.  
• The camcorder automatically performs the Photo Search function to locate  
still images and copying starts. The currently copying image appears in the  
display.  
• Copying stops when the cassette is finished or the memory card is full.  
When the memory card is full, CARD FULL will appear in the display.  
5. Press the stop button when your desired images have finished  
copying.  
120  
Copying Memory Card Still Images to a Cassette  
E
PUSH/SELECT  
REC SEARCH  
CARD  
MIX/  
SLIDE SHOW  
INDEX  
SCREEN  
Copies multiple still images from the memory card to a cassette.  
• The still images’ data codes will reflect the date and time the copies are made.  
The SP and LP recording modes are not available when copying  
memory card images to a cassette.  
[
COPY  
]
CARD OPER.  
(
37)  
Make sure a memory card that has images recorded on it and a cassette that has  
enough recordable space have been inserted into the camcorder.  
PLAY  
TAPE  
+
(VCR)  
1. Locate the point on the cassette where you want to start copying  
and set it to stop.  
PLAY  
CARD  
+
(VCR)  
2. Select the first image you want to copy by using the CARD +/–  
buttons.  
• Still images on the memory card including and after that image will be  
copied onto the cassette.  
• If you want to copy all the still images on the memory card, select the first  
image.  
3. Open the menu and select CARD OPER.  
[
]
4. Select COPY  
.
• CANCEL and EXECUTE settings appear.  
5. Select EXECUTE.  
• Select CANCEL to stop copying.  
• Cassette and card information appear in the display and copying starts.  
[
]
• NOW COPYING  
appears in the display.  
• Each image is copied for about 6 seconds on the cassette.  
• Copying stops when all the images have been copied or the tape is full.  
7
6. Press the button when your desired images have finished  
copying.  
121  
Formatting a Memory Card  
E
PUSH/SELECT  
Format new memory cards, if you get the message CARD ERROR, or to  
permanently and quickly erase all the images on a memory card, including  
protected images (this includes the pre-recorded card mix sample images).  
The MultiMediaCard supplied with this camcorder has already been formatted for  
you.  
• Be cautious when formatting recorded memory cards. All images will be  
permanently erased.  
• If you use memory cards other than the supplied one, make sure to format them  
with the camcorder, not a PC or other device.  
PLAY  
CARD  
+
(VCR)  
CARD OPER.  
FORMAT  
(
37)  
Make sure a memory card is inserted into the camcorder.  
1. Open the menu and select CARD OPER.  
2. Select FORMAT.  
• CANCEL and EXECUTE settings appear.  
3. Select EXECUTE.  
• Select CANCEL to cancel formatting.  
• FORMAT THIS CARD? NO YES appears to confirm.  
4. Select YES.  
• Formatting starts and NOW FORMATTING appears in the display.  
• If you select NO, you return to step 3.  
5. Close the menu.  
122  
Other Information and Precautions  
The camcorder formats memory cards in DCF (Design rule for Camera File  
system).  
Images recorded on a memory card with this camcorder can be transferred to a  
PC with the use of the following products made for MultiMediaCards or SD  
Memory Cards:  
E
PC Card Adapter: Holds a memory card then inserts into the PC card slot found  
on most types of laptop PCs.  
USB Card Reader: Connects to a PC, then accepts a memory card  
.
FD Adapter: Holds a MultiMediaCard then inserts into a PC’s floppy disk drive.  
Memory Cards confirmed to operate with this camcorder (as of July 2001)  
MultiMediaCard—  
SanDisk: 8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB  
SD Memory Card—  
Panasonic: 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB  
• However, we cannot guarantee that all of these memory cards work properly.  
If you mistakenly erase the card mix sample images provided on the  
MultiMediaCard, they can be downloaded from the following home page:*  
http://www.canondv.com  
* You will need a PC Card Adapter or USB Card Reader to be able to download  
to a memory card.  
Memory card operating precautions  
• If you purchase additional memory cards, format them with the camcorder, not  
a PC or other device. There have been cases where memory cards formatted  
with a PC or other device do not function properly.  
• We recommend saving backups of memory card images on your PC’s hard  
drive or other external memory device. Image data may be damaged or lost due  
to a defect in a memory card, or if a memory card is exposed to static  
electricity. Contents of a memory card cannot be compensated for should data  
become damaged or lost.  
• Do not remove the power source or the memory card while the card access  
indicator flashes.  
• Do not use memory cards in places subject to strong magnetic fields.  
123  
• Do not disassemble memory cards.  
• Do not bend or drop memory cards, or expose them to strong vibrations or  
external shocks.  
E
• Do not get memory cards wet.  
• Do not remove the memory card’s label or affix other labels. Affix labels to the  
memory card’s case.  
• Do not leave memory cards in places subject to high temperature or high  
humidity.  
• Moving a memory card rapidly between hot and cold temperatures may cause  
condensation to form on it, leading to malfunctions. Avoid this problem by  
placing the memory card in a plastic bag and letting it slowly adjust to  
temperature changes before removing it from the bag. If condensation should  
occur, maintain the memory card at a constant temperature and let the moisture  
evaporate naturally.  
• Do not touch the memory card’s terminals or let dust or dirt come in contact  
with the terminals. Store and carry memory cards in their case to protect the  
terminal area.  
• There is only one correct way to insert memory cards into the camcorder. Do  
not forcefully insert the memory cards backwards or upside down. This could  
damage the memory card or the camcorder.  
Sample images  
• The following are the sample images that have been pre-recorded on the  
included MultiMediaCard. There are a total of 15 images: 8 Card chroma key  
images, 5 Card luminance key images and 2 Camera chroma key images.  
Card chroma key  
124  
Card luminance key  
E
Camera chroma key  
• The pre-recorded sample images on the MultiMediaCard included with this  
camcorder are intended solely for the personal enjoyment gained from  
combining them with personal videos taken with this camcorder. Do not use the  
pre-recorded sample images for any other purpose.  
MultiMediaCard MMC-8M Specifications  
Capacity  
8 MB  
Interface  
Operating temperature range  
Dimensions  
MultiMediaCard standard  
32°F140°F (0°C40°C)  
32 × 24 × 1.4 mm  
1.5 g  
Weight  
Weight and dimensions are approximate  
Errors and omissions excepted.  
Subject to change without notice.  
PhotoEssentials - Royalty Free Stock Photography  
The PhotoEssentials suite of royalty-free images on CD-ROM features premium quality  
assignment photography and is ideally suited for use in advertising, brochures, reports,  
multimedia, websites, books, packaging and more.  
For more information, please visit their website www.photoessentials.com  
125  
Preparing the Camcorder  
Adjust the viewfinder  
E
• Set the camcorder to TAPE CAMERA  
mode. Extend the viewfinder straight  
out and rotate it upwards, then adjust  
the viewfinder focusing lever to suit  
your eyesight.  
• Rotate the viewfinder to an angle that  
allows you to view comfortably. Store  
the camcorder with the viewfinder flush  
with the body of the camcorder.  
• To view with the viewfinder, make sure  
the LCD panel is either turned so that  
the subject can monitor viewing, or  
totally closed with the screen facing  
inwards.  
Be careful not to leave the viewfinder exposed to bright sunlight, or it will  
melt. (The light is concentrated by the viewfinder lens.) Adjust the angle of the  
viewfinder to prevent sunlight from entering.  
Attaching the Lens Hood  
Since the lens hood cuts stray light that  
may cause flare and ghost images and  
protects the lens, be sure to attach the  
hood when you are recording.  
1. Align the hood to the lens with  
the Canon logo facing to the left.  
2. Twist it into position (clockwise),  
so that the Canon logo is to the  
top.  
• Make sure attach the hood to the  
camcorder horizontally.  
126  
Prepare the lens cap  
E
• Attach the cord to the grip belt, and  
then to the lens cap, passing the cord  
through the hole on the lens cap from  
front side.  
• Hook the lens cap on to the grip belt  
while you are recording, and place it  
over the lens when you have finished.  
Fasten the grip belt  
• Rotate the viewfinder downwards.  
• Release the Velcro fastening and hold  
the camcorder with your right hand  
while you adjust the belt with your left.  
Your index finger should reach the  
zoom control and photo button, and  
your thumb should reach the start/stop  
button comfortably.  
127  
Notes on Using the Batteries  
Charging and recording times  
E
• These times vary — the safest policy is always to have 2 or 3 times as many  
battery packs as you think you will need.  
You will get more recording time if you turn the camcorder off between shots,  
instead of leaving it in record pause mode.  
Maximum recording time  
Time needed for  
full recharge  
Using viewfinder Using LCD screen  
BP-512  
1 hr. 10 min.  
1 hr. 10 min.  
2 hr.  
2 hr.  
2 hr.  
1 hr. 40 min.  
1 hr. 40 min.  
3 hr. 30 min.  
5 hr. 40 min.  
BP-511 (optional)  
BP-522 (optional)  
BP-535 (optional)  
4 hr.  
2 hr. 50 min.  
6 hr. 30 min.  
• Recording time will be shorter than usual at low temperatures. You can use the  
battery pack between 32° and 104°F (0° to 40°C), but it works best between  
50° and 86°F (10° to 30°C).  
• If the battery pack starts to give you much less operating time than usual (at  
normal temperatures), it has reached the end of its life and must be replaced.  
Note:  
• These figures show how long you can view playback with the LCD, after  
attaching a fully-charged battery pack. Playback time will be shortened at low  
temperatures.  
Playback time (using the LCD screen)  
BP-512  
2 hr. 10 min.  
2 hr. 10 min.  
4 hr. 35 min.  
7 hr. 15 min.  
BP-511 (optional)  
BP-522 (optional)  
BP-535 (optional)  
128  
How much power is left?  
E
The indicator in the display shows you  
approximately how much charge the  
battery pack has left:  
100%  
75%  
50%  
25%  
Notes:  
• When the power is completely  
exhausted, “CHANGE THE  
BATTERY PACK” appears in the  
display for 4 seconds and the empty  
battery mark starts to flash. The  
power indicator light also flashes.  
• The indicator is not constant —  
different levels will be shown when  
you subject the battery pack and  
camcorder to different conditions.  
0%  
CHANGE THE BATTERY PACK  
When to recharge  
You can recharge a lithium ion battery pack whenever it is convenient. Unlike a  
conventional battery pack, it does not have to be fully discharged first. However,  
as the battery pack will naturally discharge itself over time, it is best to charge it  
the same day you plan to use it, or the day before.  
Taking care of the battery pack  
Always attach the terminal cover.  
• Do not allow any metal objects to  
touch the terminals, as this can cause  
a short circuit and damage the battery  
pack. Attach the terminal cover  
B
D
whenever the battery pack is not  
being used.  
Keep the terminals clean.  
• The camcorder adapter or battery pack will not work properly if the terminal  
are dirty. Attach the terminal cover whenever the battery pack is not being used.  
Storing the battery pack  
• If you do not use a battery pack for a period of more than a few months any  
remaining charge may cause damage to the battery pack, and reduce usage time.  
To prevent damage therefore, aim to use a battery pack’s complete charge  
before storage. See the optional battery pack’s instructions for further details.  
129  
Installing the backup battery  
E
Pull out the backup battery holder from the  
base of the camcorder, and insert the CR1616  
lithium battery with the + side facing  
outwards. Click the holder back into place.  
This backup battery allows the camcorder to  
remember the date and time and other settings  
when main power source is removed. It has a  
life span of about a year.  
When it needs replacing (or if it has not been  
installed), the y mark flashes in the display.  
Make sure to attach a power source to the  
camcorder first, so it will remember your chosen settings when you change the  
battery.  
DANGER!  
Treat the battery pack with care.  
• Keep it away from fire (or it might explode).  
• Do not expose the battery pack to temperatures greater than 140°F (60°C).  
Do not leave it near a heater, or inside a car in hot weather, for example.  
• Do not try to disassemble or modify it.  
• Do not drop or knock it.  
• Do not get it wet.  
WARNING!  
• The battery used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if  
mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 212°F (100°C) or  
incinerate.  
• Replace the battery with a CR1616, made by one of the following companies:  
Panasonic, Hitachi Maxell, Sony, Toshiba, Varta, Renata. Use of another  
battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.  
Cautions:  
• Do not pick up the battery using tweezers or other metal tools — this will cause  
a short circuit.  
• Wipe the battery with a clean, dry cloth to ensure proper contact.  
• Keep the battery pack out of reach of children — if it is swallowed, contact a  
physician immediately, as the battery case may break down and the battery  
fluids damage the stomach and intestines.  
• Do not disassemble, heat or immerse the battery in water, to avoid the risk of  
explosion.  
130  
Maintenance  
Cautions  
E
Avoid high temperatures and high humidity.  
• Do not leave the camcorder inside a car in hot weather, for example.  
• Be careful of heat radiating from video lighting equipment.  
• Do not take the camcorder into a humid room.  
Avoid sudden changes in temperature.  
• If you take the camcorder from a cold place to a warm place, condensation may  
form on the lens and internal parts (  
134).  
Do not point the lens or viewfinder at strong light sources.  
• Never point it at the sun, and do not leave it aimed at a bright subject.  
• Be especially careful when leaving the camcorder on a tripod.  
Avoid magnetic or electric fields.  
• Do not use the camcorder close to TV transmitters, portable communication  
devices or other sources of electric or magnetic radiation. They may cause  
picture interference, or permanently damage the camcorder.  
Do not expose the camcorder to water.  
• Cover the camcorder when you are recording in rain or mist.  
• There is a risk of electric shock if water gets inside the camcorder — contact  
qualified service personnel as soon as possible.  
Protect the lens.  
• Sand and dust can damage the lens — be especially careful on windy days.  
Handle the camcorder gently.  
• Vibration or shock can cause damage.  
• Do not use the viewfinder, LCD panel, battery pack or built-in flash as a  
carrying handle.  
Do not disassemble the camcorder.  
• This is very dangerous as there is a risk of electric shock — if the camcorder  
does not function properly, take it to qualified service personnel.  
131  
Storage  
E
If you do not intend to use the camcorder for some time, store it in an area which  
is free of dust and moisture, and where the temperature is no higher than 86°F  
(30°C). After storage, check each part and function of your camcorder to make  
sure everything is still working properly.  
Note:  
• These cautions also apply to accessories such as battery packs and cassettes.  
Maintenance  
Viewfinder  
• Clean the viewfinder screen using a cotton  
swab. First, pull the viewfinder out until it  
stops. Then, press and hold the finder  
release button with a sharp object and pull  
the viewfinder all the way out. To reattach  
the viewfinder, first position the base  
horizontally and align it with the  
viewfinder’s base. Then press it until it  
clicks back into place.  
• The viewfinder screen scratches easily.  
Take care when cleaning.  
LCD  
• Clean the LCD screen using a commercially available cleaning cloth for glasses.  
• Where there is a big change in temperature, moisture may form on the surface  
of the screen. Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth.  
• At low temperatures the display may appear to be much darker than usual. This  
is not a fault, and as the screen warms up the display will return to normal.  
Camcorder body and lens  
• Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the camcorder body or lens. Never use chemically  
treated cloth or volatile solvents such as paint thinner.  
132  
Video heads  
• When mosaic-like noise appears on the playback picture,  
the video heads may be dirty. When the video heads are  
badly contaminated, the camcorder may show a blank blue  
screen or a warning.  
E
• For the best picture possible, after using the camcorder for  
approximately 20 hours, clean the video heads using Canon’s DVM-CL Digital  
Video Head Cleaning Cassette. If the “noise” remains, repeat the cleaning (up  
to maximum of 5 times).  
• Do not use a wet-type cleaning cassette, as this can cause damage.  
Using the camcorder abroad  
Power sources  
You can use the compact power adapter to operate your camcorder and charge  
battery packs in any country where the electricity supply is between 100 and  
240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Contact your Canon dealer for information about plug  
adapters for overseas use.  
TV playback  
• Although you can always play back your recordings on the LCD screen, your  
camcorder can only be connected to TVs which use its NTSC system. This TV  
system is used in the following countries:  
American Samoa, Bahama, Barbados, Bermuda, Bolivia, Canada, Chile,  
Columbia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala,  
Greenland, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Micronesia,  
Myanmar, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia,  
Surinam, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, USA, Venezuela.  
133  
Condensation  
E
Condensation may form on the camcorder when it is moved from a cold place to a  
warm place. Using the camcorder while condensation is present can damage both  
the tape and the camcorder.  
Condensation may become a problem:  
When you take the camcorder from a cold  
place to a warm room  
When a cold room is heated rapidly  
When the camcorder is left in a humid  
room  
When the camcorder is taken from an air-  
conditioned room to a warm, humid place  
Protecting the camcorder from condensation  
• Before you take the camcorder to a warm or humid place where condensation is  
likely to be a problem, unload the cassette and put the camcorder in a plastic  
bag. Wait until the camcorder reaches room temperature before you take it out  
of the bag.  
What happens when condensation is detected  
• “CONDENSATION HAS BEEN DETECTED” is displayed for approximately  
four seconds. Then, the power indicator flashes and the mark flashes in the  
h
display. If there is a cassette in the camcorder, it stops automatically and  
“REMOVE THE CASSETTE” is displayed for approximately 4 seconds and  
then v flashes in the display. If you have the beep turned on, it will sound.  
• The camcorder may not detect the condensation immediately — the  
condensation warning may not start flashing for 10 to 15 minutes.  
You cannot load a cassette when condensation is detected.  
What you should do  
• Remove the cassette, leave the cassette compartment open, and turn the  
camcorder off.  
• Leave it in a dry place until the condensation evaporates. After the condensation  
warning stops flashing, wait at least another hour before trying to use the  
camcorder.  
134  
Troubleshooting  
Refer to this checklist first if you have any problems with your camcorder.  
Possible explanations are given for each problem on the list — turn to the page  
numbers in parentheses for more information.  
E
Make sure that the camcorder is properly connected if you are using it with a TV  
or VCR. Consult your dealer or service outlet if problems persist.  
Recording/Playback  
Cause and/or what to do about it  
Problem  
• The camcorder is not set to the  
? Nothing happens when I press the  
appropriate mode (  
• The cassette is not loaded or is set for  
erasure prevention ( 17-18).  
19, 28).  
buttons.  
• The cassette has reached the end.  
• The power source is not properly  
connected, or the battery pack is  
exhausted or not properly attached  
(
12-16, 129).  
• The function cannot be used in that  
recording program ( 56).  
? The camcorder turned itself off.  
• The camcorder was in record pause  
mode for more than about 5 minutes  
(
19, 103).  
• The battery pack is exhausted  
13-16, 129).  
(
? The cassette compartment stopped  
mid-operation while  
• The battery pack’s power is exhausted.  
Recharge or change to a new battery  
loading/unloading a cassette.  
pack (  
• The cassette is not loaded or is set for  
erasure prevention ( 17-18).  
13-16).  
? The start/stop button doesn’t work.  
• The cassette has reached the end.  
? The mark flashes red in the  
• The camcorder is malfunctioning.  
Remove and then replace power  
source.  
display during charging the flash.  
? There’s no picture in the display.  
• The camcorder is not set to the  
appropriate mode (  
19, 28).  
? There’s a blank blue screen in the  
You are attempting to play back or  
record copyright protected material  
display.  
(
87).  
• The video heads are badly  
contaminated ( 133).  
135  
• The camcorder is on manual focus  
77).  
• The viewfinder lens needs adjusting  
126).  
• The lens is dirty (  
? The camcorder won’t focus.  
(
E
(
132).  
Note:  
• Some subjects are not suitable for autofocus. In these situations, you will often  
get better results using manual focus ( 77). Focus on something which is  
about the same distance away, lock the focus, and then point the camcorder at  
your original, hard-to-focus subject.  
Horizontal stripes Many subjects at  
different distances  
Behind glass  
Dark subjects  
Without much  
contrast (e.g. a  
white wall)  
Night scenes  
Reflective surfaces  
(e.g. shiny car  
surfaces)  
Fast moving  
objects  
Recording/Playback (Cont.)  
Cause and/or what to do about it  
Problem  
• There are a number of restrictions on  
using the digital effects. ( 60-66).  
? Some/all of the digital effects  
don’t work.  
? The e (play) button doesn’t  
• The camcorder is not set to TAPE  
PLAY (VCR) mode ( 28).  
work.  
• The cassette is not loaded ( 17).  
• The cassette has reached the end.  
? There’s a bright stripe on the  
• When recording in dark places a  
bright light in the scene may cause a  
vertical light bar (“smear”) to appear.  
This is a normal feature of  
screen.  
camcorders.  
• The video heads need cleaning  
? The playback picture is rough  
(
133).  
(with mosaic-like noise).  
136  
• The video heads need cleaning  
133).  
• The TV/VIDEO selector on the TV  
isn’t set to VIDEO ( 32-33).  
? There’s no picture on the TV  
screen, even though the tape is  
moving.  
(
E
• The speaker has been turned off with  
the selector dial ( 31).  
• Headphones are being used.  
? There’s no sound coming from the  
speaker during playback.  
Memory card operations  
Cause and/or what to do about it  
Problem  
• It is not turned the right way  
? The memory card will not insert.  
(
100). Turn it the right way and  
try inserting again.  
• Turn the camcorder’s power off and  
back on again and remove and  
reinsert the card. If the mark  
continues to flash, format the  
memory card.  
? The  
mark flashes red in the  
display even though a memory  
card has been inserted.  
• The camcorder is not set to CARD  
CAMERA or CARD PLAY (VCR)  
mode ( 103, 107).  
? Nothing happens when I press the  
buttons.  
• The memory card is not inserted  
(
100).  
You are using an SD Memory Card  
and it is set for erasure prevention.  
Change the position of the protect  
switch.  
• The memory card is full. Erase  
images ( 110) or insert a new  
memory card.  
• The power source is not properly  
connected, or the battery pack is  
exhausted or not properly attached  
(
12-16, 129).  
• The function cannot be used in that  
recording program ( 56).  
• The memory card is not loaded  
? The PHOTO button doesn’t work.  
(
100).  
You are using an SD Memory Card and  
it is set for erasure prevention. Change  
the position of the protect switch.  
137  
• The memory card is full. Erase  
images ( 110) or insert a new  
memory card.  
E
You have reached the maximum file  
number. Set the file numbering to  
RESET through the menu ( 102)  
and insert a new memory card.  
You are using an unformatted  
memory card. Format the card  
(
122).  
• The image is protected ( 109).  
You are using an SD Memory Card  
and it is set for erasure prevention.  
Change the position of the protect  
switch.  
? The image cannot be erased.  
Miscellaneous  
Cause and/or what to do about it  
Problem  
• The remote sensor mode is set to  
OFFB in the menu ( 46).  
? The wireless controller doesn’t  
work.  
• The remote sensor modes of the  
wireless controller and the camcorder  
itself are different ( 46).  
• The batteries are dead or not inserted.  
? The power indicator is flashing.  
• Check the screen displays ( 143).  
? The camcorder malfunctions.  
• External interference may cause the  
camcorder’s microprocessor to  
malfunction temporarily. If random  
letters appear in the display or if  
normal operation is interrupted,  
remove and then replace the power  
source.  
? The DV cable is connected  
correctly, but there’s nothing in  
the display.  
• Remove the cable and then reconnect  
it or turn the power off and back on  
again.  
? The camcorder becomes warm  
• This is not a malfunction.  
during use.  
138  
The OPTURA100 MC System Diagram (Availability differs from area to area)  
E
WD-43 Wide-  
converter  
MiniDV  
Video  
Cassette  
WL-D77  
Wireless  
Controller  
BP-500 Series  
Battery Pack  
CR-560 Charge Adapter/  
Car Battery Cable Kit  
TL-43 Tele-  
converter  
FS-43U  
Filter Set  
CA-560 Compact  
Power Adapter  
BP-500 Series  
Battery Pack  
ZR-1000 Zoom  
Remote Controller  
S-150 S-video Cable  
TV  
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable  
CV-150F DV Cable  
VL-3 Video Light  
VCR  
Digital Device  
DM-50 Directional  
Stereo Microphone  
PC Card Adapter  
USB Card Reader  
FD Adapter  
MultiMediaCard  
or  
SD Memory Card  
Personal Computer  
SC-1000 Soft  
Carrying Case  
SC-A50 Soft  
Carrying Case  
139  
Optional Accessories  
Call or visit your local retailer/dealer for genuine Canon video accessories.  
You can also obtain genuine accessories for your Canon camcorder by calling:  
1-800-828-4040, Canon U.S.A. Information Center.  
E
BP-500 Series Battery Packs  
Extra batteries for use with the  
OPTURA100 MC.  
BP-522  
BP-535  
BP-511  
CR-560 Charge Adapter/Car Battery  
Cable Kit  
Connect the car battery cable to power  
your camcorder or recharge battery packs  
on the move. The car battery cable plugs  
into your car’s cigarette lighter socket and  
runs off a 12-24 V DC negative ground  
battery.  
Also, when used with the CA-560 Compact  
Power Adapter, this charge adapter can  
charge the BP-500 series lithium ion  
battery packs from an AC outlet.  
TL-43 Tele-converter  
This tele-converter lens increases the focal  
length of the camcorder lens by a factor of  
1.7.  
• The image stabilizer is not as effective as  
usual when the tele-converter is attached.  
WD-43 Wide-converter  
This lens decreases focal length by a factor  
of 0.7, giving you a wide perspective for  
indoor shots or panoramic views.  
140  
FS-43U Filter Set  
Neutral density and MC protector filters to  
help you take control of difficult lighting  
conditions.  
E
VL-3 Video Light  
Attach the Video Light to a camcorder  
when recording in dark rooms. When on its  
automatic setting, the Video Light turns  
on/off automatically according to the  
brightness level of shooting conditions.  
DM-50 Directional Stereo Microphone  
This highly sensitive, super-directional  
microphone attaches to a camcorder’s  
advanced accessory shoe. It is a highly  
sensitive microphone that can be switched  
between functioning as a directional  
microphone (monaural) or a stereo  
microphone that also clearly picks up  
sounds arriving from the front of the  
microphone, for full recorded sound.  
Zoom Remote Controller ZR-1000  
When this product is plugged into the  
LANC m terminal of a Canon camcorder, it  
is possible to control functions such as the  
start and stop of recording and the zoom  
and focusing functions while the camcorder  
is mounted on a tripod, without touching  
the camcorder body itself.  
141  
SC-1000 Soft Carrying Case  
A handy camcorder bag with padded  
compartments and plenty of space for  
accessories.  
E
SC-A50 Soft Carrying Case  
This lightweight bag keeps the camcorder  
within easy reach without weighing you  
down or getting in the way. Genuine  
leather.  
E
N
N
O
U
N
IN  
A
C
This mark identifies genuine Canon video accessories. When you  
use Canon video equipment, we recommend Canon-brand  
accessories or products bearing the same mark.  
E
Y
I
D
R
E
O S  
O
S
A
C
E
Provided accessories:  
Optional accessories:  
WL-D77 Wireless Controller D83-0582-000  
CA-560 Compact Power  
CR-560 Charge Adapter/  
Car Battery Cable Kit  
3172A002AA  
(D82-0680-201)  
3055A002AA  
(D85-1112-201)  
3174A002AA  
(D85-1122-201)  
6741A002AA  
Adapter  
BP-512 Battery Pack  
S-150 S-video Cable  
3171A007AB  
6760A002AA  
3062A002AA  
(D82-0330-202)  
BP-511 Battery Pack  
BP-522 Battery Pack  
BP-535 Battery Pack  
STV-250N Stereo Video Cable 3067A002AA  
(D82-0590-201)  
Lens cap  
Lens hood  
D52-0140-000  
D52-0150-000  
SC-1000 Soft Carrying Case 3083A001AA  
(D81-1200-201)  
SC-A50 Soft Carrying Case D81-1302-201  
WD-43 Wide-converter  
TL-43 Tele-converter  
FS-43U Filter Set  
7151A002AA  
7152A002AA  
7150A002AA  
3175A002AA  
(D86-0121-201)  
3176A002AA  
(D84-0120-201)  
3089A002AA  
(D83-0540-201)  
3118A002AA  
(D81-0190-202)  
3134A002AA  
(D36-0032-201)  
VL-3 Video Light  
DM-50 Directional Stereo  
Microphone  
ZR-1000 Zoom Remote  
Controller  
WS-20 Wrist Strap  
DVM-CL Digital Video  
Head Cleaning Cassette  
142  
Screen Displays  
To display the date and time, press the DATA  
CODE button. See also p. 80.  
E
TV  
SCREEN  
Press the wireless controller’s TV SCREEN  
button or turn TV SCREEN on through the  
menu to see the other displays on the TV  
screen. (The displays appear white on-screen.)  
They will not be added to any recordings you  
make with the camcorder.  
DATA  
CODE  
TAPE  
CAMERA  
CARD  
CAMERA  
+
+
,
DISP. SET UP  
TV SCREEN•••ON  
(
37)  
To turn TV SCREEN off, open the menu and select DISP.SET UP.  
Then select TV SCREEN, set it to OFF and close the menu.  
For instructions on how to hook the camcorder up to your TV, see p. 32.  
Turning off the LCD screen displays  
You can turn off the displays to give you a clear screen for playback.  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
PLAY  
(VCR)  
TAPE  
CARD  
+
+
,
DISP.SET UP  
DISPLAYS••••ON  
(
37)  
To turn the displays off, open the menu and select DISP. SET UP.  
Then select DISPLAYS, set it to OFF <PLAYBK> and close the  
menu.  
• If you turn the displays off, the LCD screen will be completely blank  
(including connected TV screen), but the camcorder will continue to show  
warning/caution displays when necessary, and the data code appears in the  
display if it is set to ON.  
• When operating the camcorder, the displays appear for 2 seconds. However,  
the displays do not disappear when displaying an index screen.  
indicates a flashing display.  
Record pause mode  
19)  
The backup battery is  
not properly installed,  
or needs replacing  
PAUSE  
(
Recording (  
20)  
(
130).  
REC  
143  
Shows how much  
battery power remains  
Fast forward (  
28)  
FF  
E
(
129).  
REW  
Rewind (  
28)  
The battery pack is  
exhausted (  
129).  
Fast forward playback  
(
29)  
Rewind playback  
29)  
No cassette is loaded,  
or it is set for erasure  
prevention  
(
Frame advance  
playback (  
29)  
(
17, 18).  
Frame reverse  
playback (  
Remaining tape  
(Green: more than  
five minutes.  
Yellow: less than five  
minutes.  
29)  
5min  
Playback pause  
(forward and reverse)  
(
29)  
Red: final few  
seconds.)  
/5  
/5  
Slow playback  
(forward and reverse)  
...finally, it tells you  
when you have  
completely run out of  
tape.  
(
29, 30)  
END  
×2 playback (forward  
and reverse) ( 30)  
×2  
×
2
The camcorder is  
ejecting the tape  
EJECT  
EJECT  
×1 playback (forward  
×1  
and reverse) (  
30)  
×
1
(
17).  
Photo Search (  
83)  
5
The safety mechanism  
is activated. Unload  
the cassette and turn  
the camcorder off.  
Turn it on again and  
reload the cassette.  
PHOTO SEARCH  
DATE SEARCH  
5
Date Search (  
83)  
Zero set memory  
RTN  
RTN  
(forward and reverse)  
84)  
(
Recording mode  
SP  
(
21)  
AV Insert Editing  
90)  
(
AV INSERT  
AV INSERT  
Playback is stopped  
28).  
STOP  
(
Normal playback  
28)  
Audio Dubbing  
( 93)  
(
AUDIO DUB.  
AUDIO DUB.  
144  
The remote sensor is  
turned off ( 46).  
Zoom display (  
Optical zoom  
24):  
W
T
E
W
T
Optical plus 40×  
digital zoom  
Self-timer countdown  
( 69)  
10sec  
SELF–T  
W
T
Optical plus 200×  
digital zoom  
Zero set memory  
84)  
0:00:00  
M
(
W
T
Zoom in  
Audio mode (  
Data code (  
67)  
16bit  
W
T
Zoom out  
80)  
F1.8  
1/250  
12:00 AM  
JAN. 1,2001  
The image stabilizer is  
turned on (  
55).  
Photo mode (  
51)  
CAM.MENU  
SEL.SE  
MENUC  
PHOTO  
CAM. MENU  
CARD MIX  
(
39)  
CAM.SET UP  
VCR SET UP  
• Setting the AF/AE. F  
mark flashes white  
DISP.SET UP  
SYSTEM  
RETURN  
• AF/AE locked. F  
mark lights up green  
VCR MENU (  
40)  
VCR MENU  
SEL.S  
MENU  
• Timer  
VCR SET UP  
CARD SET UP  
CARD OPER.  
DISP.SET UP  
SYSTEM  
6sec  
Built-in Flash (  
Auto  
53)  
RETURN  
A
C. CAM. MENU  
42)  
C.CAM MENU  
SEL.S  
MENU  
Red-eye reduction auto  
Flash on  
(
CAM.SET UP  
CARD SET UP  
DISP.SET UP  
SYSTEM  
RETURN  
Flash off  
C.PLAY MENU  
SEL.SE  
MENUC  
C. PLAY MENU  
43)  
CARD OPER.  
VCR SET UP  
DISP.SET UP  
SYSTEM  
(
Recording programs  
(
56).  
AUTO  
RETURN  
SPORTS  
PORTRAIT  
SPOTLIGHT  
SAND&SNOW  
LOW LIGHT  
CARD PHOTO REVIEW  
CARD PHOTO  
REVIEW MENU  
PROTECT  
IMAGE ERASE  
RETURN  
(
110)  
Accessory is attached  
to advanced accessory  
C
FILE OPER.  
FILE OPER. MENU  
111)  
shoe (  
71, 72)  
PROTECT  
(
PRINT MARK  
IMAGE ERASE  
RETURN  
145  
Manual exposure  
display ( 73):  
Exposure locked  
Volume level  
31):  
Speaker  
(
E
E.LOCK 0  
E.LOCK +5  
E.LOCK –5  
SPEAKER  
+
Brighter than standard  
exposure level  
Headphones  
PHONES  
+
SPEAKER  
OFF  
Darker than standard  
exposure level  
Audio output (  
96)  
STEREO1  
STEREO2  
MIX/FIXED  
Manual focus is  
selected (  
77).  
M.FOCUS  
1/250  
MIX/VARI.  
Shutter speed (  
75)  
Mix balance (  
Audio input (  
96)  
94)  
ST–1  
ST–2  
White balance is  
AUDIO IN  
MIC.IN  
DV IN  
(
78)  
Set  
Indoor  
W
T
Microphone input  
Outdoor  
U
The 16:9 mode: the  
display flashes when  
the effect is being  
selected, and appears  
steadily when it is  
DV input (  
86, 106)  
16:9  
Condensation warning  
(
134)  
activated (  
22).  
Digital effects. The  
display flashes when  
the function is being  
selected and appears  
steadily when it is  
FADE–T  
WIPE  
Memory Card Displays  
STRIPE  
STRIPE  
CHECKER  
WINDOW  
NEGATIVE  
ART  
No memory card is  
inserted ( 100).  
activated (  
60).  
Image quality  
100):  
(
Standard  
STD  
BLK&WHT  
SEPIA  
MOSAIC  
Fine  
FINE  
The wind screen is  
turned on ( 68).  
WSON  
Image resolution  
1280× 960  
(
101).  
Folder number-File  
number ( 102).  
101-0101  
146  
SLIDE SHOW  
Slide show in  
Time Code  
progress(  
108).  
E
0:12:34:12  
Recording to a  
memory card  
>>>>  
99  
99  
(
103).  
This records counter information,  
including hour, minute, second, and  
frame number on a special data code  
area on the tape itself. It is reset  
automatically when a new tape is  
loaded. In TAPE CAMERA mode, the  
frame number doesn’t appear in the  
display.  
The number of still  
images that can still  
be recorded on the  
memory card  
(
103).  
(Green: 6 or more  
images.  
Yellow: Between 1  
and 5 images  
Red: No more images)  
Recording reminder  
Accessing a memory  
<<<< 9/99  
card (  
107).  
0sec  
Current still  
9/99  
image/Total number  
of still images on the  
memory card  
10sec  
(
107).  
When you start recording, the  
camcorder counts from 0SEC to  
10SEC. Shots which are shorter than  
ten seconds may be difficult to edit  
later. On the other hand, if you are not  
planning to edit the recording,  
Protect mark  
109).  
(
remember that a shot which does not  
contain action should generally last no  
longer than 10 seconds.  
CARD MIX  
Card mix (  
117).  
109).  
Print mark (  
Data code (  
80).  
12:00 AM  
JAN. 1,2001  
147  
Caution phrases  
E
Appears as a warning  
to protect the cassette  
and also when  
The camcorder displays various  
caution phrases — they appear for 4  
seconds before disappearing.  
REMOVE THE CASSETTE  
condensation is  
detected. Remove the  
cassette as soon as  
possible after the  
camcorder has  
Appears each time  
you turn the power  
on, until you set the  
SET THE TIME ZONE,  
DATE AND TIME  
displayed the caution.  
time zone, date and  
time (  
48).  
Refer to p. 87  
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED  
Appears when the  
battery pack is  
exhausted  
PLAYBACK IS RESTRICTED  
CHANGE THE BATTERY PACK  
(
129).  
Refer to p. 87 or p. 88  
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED  
DUBBING RESTRICTED  
Appears when the  
tape has reached the  
end.  
TAPE END  
Appears when you try  
to do audio dubbing  
or AV insert on a tape  
recorded in any mode  
other than SP mode  
CHECK THE CASSETTE  
Refer to p.18  
[
]
REC MODE  
THE TAPE IS SET FOR  
ERASURE PREVENTION  
(
90, 93).  
Appears when you try  
to do audio dubbing  
on a tape recorded in  
16-bit audio or 12-bit,  
4-channel mode  
CHECK THE CASSETTE  
Appears when, during  
DV dubbing, the DV  
cable is disconnected  
or the power of the  
digital equipment  
connected to the  
camcorder is turned  
off.  
[
]
AUDIO MODE  
CHECK THE DV INPUT  
(
93).  
Appears when the  
camcorder detects a  
blank section of a tape  
during audio dubbing  
or AV insert  
CHECK THE CASSETTE  
[
]
BLANK  
(
90, 93).  
Refer to p. 134  
CONDENSATION  
HAS BEEN DETECTED  
148  
Appears immediately  
after you start  
Appears if you have  
tried to mark 51 or  
more images for  
printing, or if a mark  
file cannot be edited.  
E
HEADS DIRTY,  
recording, and the  
video heads are badly  
contaminated. Make  
sure to clean the video  
heads when this  
PRINT MARK ERROR  
USE CLEANING CASSETTE  
(
109)  
caution appears.  
A memory card has  
not been inserted into  
the camcorder.  
(
133)  
NO CARD  
(
100)  
Memory card caution phrases  
An error has occurred  
with the memory card.  
The camcorder cannot  
record or play back. A  
temporary card error  
is also possible. If  
There are no images  
recorded on the  
memory card.  
CARD ERROR  
NO IMAGES  
CARD ERROR disappears after 4 seconds  
and flashes red, turn the camcorder’s  
power off and back on again, and remove  
and reinsert the card. If flashes green,  
You are using an SD  
Memory Card and it  
is set for erasure pre-  
vention. Change the  
position of the protect  
switch.  
THE CARD IS SET FOR  
ERASURE PREVENTION  
recording or playing back is possible.  
There is no more  
remaining memory  
on the memory card.  
Change the card or  
erase images.  
CARD FULL  
Appears when you  
press the start/stop  
button in CARD  
IN CARD POSITION  
CAMERA mode. The  
image isn’t recorded  
on the cassette or  
memory card.  
You have reached the  
maximum file or  
folder number.  
NAMING ERROR  
(
102)  
The image has been  
recorded in an  
incompatible JPEG  
format or other  
format that the  
UNIDENTIFIABLE  
IMAGE  
camcorder cannot  
play back, or the  
image data has been  
damaged.  
149  
Specifications  
OPTURA100 MC  
E
Power Supply (rated): 7.4 V DC  
Power Consumption (while recording  
with the AF turned on):  
Recommended illumination:  
More than 100 lx  
Filter diameter: 43 mm  
Viewfinder: 0.55 in, TFT color LCD,  
4.7 W (Using viewfinder),  
5.4 W (Using LCD screen)  
approx. 113,000 pixels  
Television system: EIA standard  
(525 lines, 60 fields) NTSC color signal  
Video recording system: 3 rotary heads,  
helical scanning DV system (Consumer  
digital VCR SD/SDL system)  
Digital component recording  
LCD screen: 2.5 in measured diagonally,  
TFT color, approx. 200,000 pixels  
Microphone: Stereo electret condenser  
microphone  
Flash: Built-in, Auto pop-up flash  
Recording media: MultiMediaCard, SD  
Memory Card  
Audio recording system:  
PCM digital sound: 16 bit (48kHz/2ch),  
12 bit (32kHz/4ch)  
Number of recording pixels: 1280 × 960  
pixels, 640 × 480 pixels  
SP and LP: 12 bit only (32kHz/2ch) Image format: Design rule for Camera  
Image sensor: 1/3.6” CCD (charge coupled  
device), approx. 1.33 million pixels  
(effective: 1.25 million pixels (recording  
still image onto a memory card) /  
690,000 pixels (recording movie and still  
image to a tape))  
File system (DCF), Digital Print Order  
Format (DPOF) compliant (only images  
marked for printing)  
File format: JPEG (compression mode:  
Fine/Standard)  
Estimated MultiMediaCard MMC-8M  
capacities (approx.)*:  
Tape format: Videocassettes bearing the  
D mark.  
1280 × 960: Fine 17 images/Standard 32  
images, 640 × 480: Fine 61 images/  
Standard 106 images  
* The actual number you can record varies  
depending on the images. Remember that the  
sample images recorded on the supplied  
MultiMediaCard are included in the total  
number.  
Tape speed:  
SP: 3/4 ips (18.81 mm/s),  
LP: 1/2 ips (12.56 mm/s),  
SP: 3/8 ips (9.41 mm/s),  
LP: 1/4 ips (6.28 mm/s)  
Maximum recording time (with an 80  
min. cassette):  
SP: 80 min., LP: 120 min.,  
DV terminal input/output:  
Special 4-pin connector (conforms to  
IEEE1394)  
AV terminal input/output: ø 3.5 mm  
Audio input: –10 dBV/ at least 40  
kohms, (L, R), unbalanced  
SP: 160 min., LP: 240 min.  
Fast forward/rewind time:  
Approx. 2 min. 20 sec. (with a  
60 min. cassette)  
Lens: F/1.6–1.8, 10× power zoom,  
4.2–42 mm (8× poewer zoom, 5,25-42  
mm in CARD CAMERA mode)  
Focusing system: TTL autofocus, manual  
focusing possible  
Minimum focusing distance: 3ft 33/8 in  
(1 m) (3/8 in (1 cm) on maximum wide  
angle)  
Maximum shutter speed:1/8,000 sec.  
(1/500 sec. when using a memory card)  
Minimum illumination: 3 lx (using the  
Low Light program in TAPE CAMERA  
mode)  
output: –10 dBV (47 kohm load)/  
less than 3 kohms,  
unbalanced  
Video: 1 Vp-p/75 ohms unbalanced  
S-video terminal input/output:  
1 Vp-p (Y signal), 0.286 Vp-p (C signal)  
MIC terminal input: ø 3.5 mm stereo  
minijack, – 57 dBV (with 600 ohm mic)/  
at least 5 kohms  
Headphone terminal: ø 3.5 mm stereo  
minijack  
150  
E
LANC terminal: ø 2.5 mm mini  
minijack  
u
Operating temperature range: 32–104 °F  
(0–40 °C)  
Dimensions: 21/2 × 51/8 × 51/8 in  
(66 × 131 × 129 mm)  
Weight: 1 lb 71/4 oz (660 g)  
BP-512 Battery Pack  
Battery type: Rechargeable lithium ion  
battery  
Rated voltage: 7.4 V DC  
Operating temperature: 32°–104°F  
(0°–40°C)  
Battery capacity: 1100 mAh  
7
Dimensions: 11/2 × /8 × 21/8 in  
(38 × 21 × 55 mm)  
Weight: 21/2 oz (70 g)  
Weight and dimensions are approximate  
Errors and omissions excepted.  
Subject to change without notice.  
Canon is a trademark of Canon Inc.  
151  
Index  
16:9, 22  
Î
Data Code, 80  
E
Å
Date and Time, 50  
Date Search, 83  
Digital Effects, 60  
Digital Zoom, 24  
DV Dubbing, 86  
Abroad, Using the Camcorder, 133  
Accessories, 7, 140  
Adapter, AC, 12-14, 16  
AE Programs, 56  
Analog line-in, 88  
Audio Dubbing, 93  
Audio Mix, 96  
Easy Recording, 58  
Editing to a VCR, 85  
Effects, 62  
Erasing Still Images from a  
Memory Card, 110, 115  
Exposure, 73  
Audio Mode, 67  
Audio Output, 96  
Audio Recording and Playback,  
67, 96  
Audio/Video Terminal, 32  
Auto, 58  
Extended Recording Time  
Function, 21  
Autofocus, 77  
AV Insert, 90  
External Microphone, 67, 93  
ı
Ç
Ï
Backup Battery, 130  
Basic Recording, 19  
Battery Charger, 15-16  
Battery Pack, 13, 15-16, 128  
Beep, 23  
Faders, 61  
Fast Forward, 28  
Feedback, 33  
File Numbers, 102  
Finding Your Way Around the  
OPTURA100 MC, 9  
Flash, 53  
Cables, 7, 32  
Focusing, 77  
Cassettes, 17  
Formatting a Memory Card, 122  
Charging the Battery Pack,  
13, 15-16, 128  
Choosing a Recording Program, 56  
Cleaning the Camcorder, 132  
Clock, 50  
Ó
È
Head Cleaning, 133  
Headphones, 31  
Combining Images, 117  
Condensation, 134  
Image Quality, 100  
Image Resolution, 101  
Image Stabilizer, 55  
Index Screen, 108  
Introducing the  
Connecting to a PC, 98  
Connection to TV or VCR, 32  
Copying from Cassette to  
Memory Card, 120  
Copying from Memory Card to  
Cassette, 121  
OPTURA100 MC, 8  
152  
Ò
Â
LANC, 85  
Recharging the Battery Pack, 128  
Recording, 19, 103  
Recording from Cassette to  
Memory Card, 105  
Recording from DV Device to  
Memory Card, 106  
Recording Programs, 56  
Record Pause Mode, 19  
Record Review, 36  
E
LCD Screen, 25  
Lens Cap, 127  
Lens Hood, 126  
Loading Cassettes, 17  
Low Light, 59  
LP Mode, 21  
˜
Maintenance, 131  
Record Search, 36  
Making Better Videos, 34  
Manual Exposure Control, 73  
Manual Focus, 77  
Remote Control, 45  
Remote Sensor, 45-46  
Rewind, 28  
Memory Card Introduction, 99  
Menus, 37  
Í
Microphone, 67, 72, 93  
Monitor Recording, 27  
Multi-Image Screen, 65  
S1 video terminal, 32  
Sample images, 124  
Sand & Snow, 59  
Screen Displays, 143  
SD Memory Card, 99, 103, 123  
Self-Timer, 69  
Ø
Optional Accessories, 140  
Shutter Sound, 102  
Shutter Speed, 75  
Slide Show, 108  
Speaker, 31  
Specifications, 14, 125, 150  
SP Mode, 21  
Pause, Record, 19  
PC Connection, 98  
Photo Search, 83  
Playback, 28  
Sports, 58  
Spotlight, 59  
Still Picture, 51, 103  
Storage, 132  
S-video, 32  
Playback Connection, 32  
Playback Pause, 29  
Portrait, 58  
Power Adapter, 12-14, 16  
Powering Your Camcorder, 12  
Pre-Marked Position, 84  
Preparing the Camcorder, 126  
Preventing Accidental Erasure,  
109, 112  
System Diagram, 139  
Print Mark, 109, 113  
Problems, 135  
Progressive Photo, 103  
Protect, 109, 112  
153  
Ê
E
Tally Lamp, 23  
Tape Protection, 18  
Telephoto, 24  
Temperature, 14, 128, 132, 150  
Time Code, 147  
Time Zone, 48  
Tips for Making Better Videos, 34  
Tripod, 34  
Troubleshooting, 135  
TV, 32, 143  
VCR, 32  
Videocassettes, 17  
Video Heads, 133  
Video ID-1 system, 33  
Video Light, 71  
Viewfinder, 126, 132  
Viewing Still Images, 107  
Û
White Balance, 78  
Wide-angle, 24  
Wide screen TV, 22  
Wind Screen, 68  
Wireless Controller, 45  
Zero Set Memory, 84  
Zooming, 24  
154  
Menu at a Glance  
Use the list below to quickly navigate the camcorder’s menu. Functions are listed  
alphabetically.  
E
First make sure the  
camera is set to...  
Then select it  
Function  
from this  
submenu and set.  
CAM.SET UP  
DISP.SET UP  
VCR SET UP  
VCR SET UP  
SYSTEM  
16:9 effect  
6-sec. Date  
Audio dub  
Audio mode  
Beep  
DISP.SET UP  
CARD MIX  
Brightness  
Card mix  
CARD OPER.  
CARD OPER.  
DISP.SET UP  
DISP.SET UP  
DISP.SET UP  
SYSTEM  
Copy - card to cassette  
Copy - cassette to card  
Data code  
Date/time display  
Date/time select  
Date/time set  
Digital Zoom  
Displays  
CAM.SET UP  
DISP.SET UP  
CARD OPER.  
CARD OPER.  
CARD SET UP  
CARD OPER.  
CARD SET UP  
Erase  
Erase all print mark  
File numbers  
Format  
Image resolution  
155  
First make sure the  
camera is set to...  
Then select it  
from this  
submenu and set.  
Function  
E
Image stabilizer  
Mirror mode  
CAM.SET UP  
DISP.SET UP  
CARD MIX  
Mix level  
CARD MIX  
Mix type  
Output channel  
VCR SET UP  
CARD OPER.  
Print mark  
Protect  
CARD OPER.  
CARD SET UP  
Quality  
VCR SET UP  
SYSTEM  
Record mode  
Remote sensor mode  
Shutter sound  
CARD SET UP  
CAM.SET UP  
SYSTEM  
Shutter speed  
Tally lamp  
SYSTEM  
Time zone/DST  
DISP.SET UP  
CAM.SET UP  
VCR SET UP  
TV screen  
White balance  
Wind screen  
156  
U.S.A.  
®
CANON OPTURA100 MC DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER LIMITED  
WARRANTY  
E
The limited warranty set forth below is given by Canon U.S.A., Inc. (CUSA) with respect to each Canon OPTURA100 MC  
Digital Video Camcorder (DV Camcorder) purchased and used in the United States.  
Each Canon DV Camcorder, when delivered to you in new condition in its original container, is warranted against defective  
material or workmanship as follows: for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase (three (3) months in the  
case of the video head part), defective parts or DV Camcorders returned to a CUSA factory service center (CUSA Center) or  
an authorized DV Camcorder service facility (Service Facility), and proven to be defective upon inspection, will be repaired  
or exchanged for new or comparable rebuilt parts or DV Camcorders. The warranty period for repaired or replacement parts  
or DV Camcorders shall begin upon shipment of the same, but shall in no event exceed the original warranty period of the  
defective part or DV Camcorder.  
Non-Canon brand peripheral equipment and software which may be distributed with Canon DV Camcorders are sold  
AS IS, without warranty of any kind by CUSA, including any implied warranty regarding merchantability or fitness  
for a particular purpose. The sole warranty with respect to such non-Canon brand items is given by the manufacturer  
or producer thereof.  
CUSA shall have no responsibility under this limited warranty for use of Canon DV Camcorders in conjunction with  
incompatible peripheral equipment and incompatible software.  
In order to obtain warranty service, contact the authorized Canon retail dealer from whom you purchased the DV Camcorder  
or call the CANON INFORMATION CENTER AT 1-800-828-4040 (which is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (E.S.T.),  
Monday through Friday, excluding holidays). Have your unit serial number and your date of purchase available when you  
make the call to expedite service. In either case you will be directerd to ship the DV Camcorder, postage prepaid, to the  
CUSA Center or Service Facility nearest to you. You must include a copy of the proof of purchase (bill of sale) and a  
complete explanation of the problem. DV Camcorders covered by this limited warranty will be repaired and returned to you  
without charge by the CUSA Center or the Service Facility. Repairs not under warranty will be at such cost as the CUSA  
Center or Service Facility may from time to time generally establish.  
This limited warranty covers all defects encountered in normal use of the DV Camcorder, and does not apply in the following  
cases:  
(a) Loss of or damage to the DV Camcorder due to abuse, mishandling, improper packaging by you, alteration, accident,  
leaking batteries, exterior nicks, scratches or dents, electrical current fluctuations, failure to follow operating instructions,  
maintenance and environmental instructions prescribed in CUSAs instruction manual, or service performed by other than  
a CUSA Center or Service Facility.  
(b) Use of parts or supplies (other than those sold by CUSA) which cause damage to the DV Camcorder or cause abnormally  
frequent service calls or service problems.  
(c) If any DV Camcorder has had its serial number or dating altered or removed.  
This limited warranty does not apply to accessories or consumables for the DV Camcorder, which are sold AS IS, without  
warranty of any kind by CUSA.  
NO IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS  
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, APPLIES TO THE DV CAMCORDER AFTER THE APPLICABLE PERIOD OF  
EXPRESS WARRANTY STATED ABOVE, AND NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTY OR GUARANTY, EXCEPT  
AS MENTIONED ABOVE, GIVEN BY ANY PERSON, FIRM OR CORPORATION WITH RESPECT TO THE DV  
CAMCORDER SHALL BIND CUSA. (SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN  
IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU) CUSA SHALL NOT  
BE LIABLE FOR LOSS OF REVENUES OR PROFITS, EXPENSE FOR SUBSTITUTE EQUIPMENT OR  
SERVICE, STORAGE CHARGES, LOSS OF DATA, OR ANY OTHER SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR  
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE USE, MISUSE OR INABILITY TO USE THE DV  
CAMCORDER, REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY ON WHICH THE CLAIM IS BASED, AND EVEN IF  
CUSA HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. NOR SHALL RECOVERY OF ANY  
KIND AGAINST CUSA BE GREATER IN AMOUNT THAN THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE DV CAMCORDER  
SOLD BY CUSA AND CAUSING THE ALLEGED DAMAGE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, YOU  
ASSUME ALL RISK AND LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGE OR INJURY TO YOU AND YOUR PROPERTY AND  
TO OTHERS AND THEIR PROPERTY ARISING OUT OF USE, MISUSE OR INABILITY TO USE THE DV  
CAMCORDER NOT CAUSED DIRECTLY BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF CUSA. (SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW  
THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE  
LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.) THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL NOT EXTEND TO ANYONE  
OTHER THAN THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER OF ANY DV CAMCORDER, OR THE PERSON FOR WHOM IT  
WAS PURCHASED AS A GIFT, AND STATES YOUR EXCLUSIVE REMEDY.  
This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.  
Canon U.S.A., Inc.  
One Canon Plaza  
Lake Success, New York 11042  
157  
CANADA  
CANON CONSUMER DIGITAL VIDEO EQUIPMENT LIMITED  
WARRANTY  
The limited warranty set forth below is given by Canon Canada Inc. (“Canon Canada”) with respect to Canon digital video equipment  
purchased in Canada. This limited warranty is only effective upon presentation of a bill of sale or other proof of purchase for this Canon  
digital video equipment to a Canon Service Facility when repairs are required.  
E
Canon consumer video digital equipment is warranted under normal, non-commercial, personal use, against defective materials or  
workmanship as follows:  
Parts: Defective parts will be exchanged for new parts or, at Canon Canada’s option, comparable rebuilt parts for a period of one year  
from the date of original purchase, except Video Heads which will be exchanged for a period of 3 months from the date of purchase.  
Labour: For a period of one year from the date of original purchase, labour will be provided free of charge by our Canon Service  
Facilities in Canada.  
This limited warranty covers all defects except where:  
(a) The loss or damage to the product results from:  
i) accident, natural disaster, mishandling, abuse, neglect, unauthorized product modification or failure to follow instructions  
contained in the instruction manual;  
ii) the use of accessories, attachments, products, supplies, parts or devices with this Canon product that do not conform to  
Canon specifications or that cause abnormally frequent service problems;  
iii) repairs or services performed by any party other than a Canon Service Facility;  
iv) defective batteries or any exposure to water, sand or dirt;  
v) shipping (claim must be presented to the shipper);  
(b) Any serial number on the video equipment is altered or removed.  
(c) The digital video equipment is used for commercial, professional or industrial purposes.  
This limited warranty does not cover the cabinet (exterior finish) of the digital video equipment, video cassette tapes, head cleanings,  
nor does it apply to digital video equipment purchased outside Canada.  
TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE  
Ship your Canon digital video equipment in its original carton, box or equivalent, properly packed, fully insured with shipping charges  
prepaid, together with a copy of your bill of sale or other proof of purchase and a description of the problem to any of the Canon  
Service Facilities in Canada.  
LIMITATIONS  
Except as otherwise required by applicable legislation, this warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, conditions, guarantees or  
representations, express or implied, statutory or otherwise, relative to this Canon product, including implied warranties or conditions of  
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.  
Canon Canada assumes no liability for special, consequential or incidental damages or loss that may arise, whether on account of  
negligence or otherwise, from the use, misuse or inability to use this Canon product (including loss of profit, revenue, video tapes or  
enjoyment) or from failure to conform to any express or implied warranties, conditions, guarantees or representations. Any recovery  
under this limited warranty shall not exceed the purchase price of the product. Canon Canada does not assume or authorize any other  
person to assume for Canon Canada any other liability with respect to this Canon product.  
This warranty does not extend to any person other than the original purchaser of this Canon product or the person for whom it was  
purchased as a gift and states your exclusive remedy.  
NOTICE TO CONSUMER  
If you plan to take important videos or if the product has not been used for some time, please check all functions with the instruction  
book before using it.  
158  

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